Starting at Abbotsbury car park, follow the route through Abbotsbury village and up the steep climb to the ridge to be rewarded with stunning views of the Dorset Jurassic coastline. Pass the ancient Iron Age hillfort of Abbotsbury Castle to then drop down to Chesil Beach. Negotiate either the pebbles or use a parallel road to walk up the hill to St Catherine’s Chapel, dedicated to the patron saint of spinsters! Admire the views over the remains of the golden monastic settlement to return to the valley, rich with local history and legend.
- Distance – 6 miles
Duration – 2 1/4 hours.
Exertion – Hard – a few steep climbs
Terrain – Beach (pebble), path, track
Dogs – Allowed on beach all year round. Be aware of livestock and keep to the countryside code.
Map – OS Explorer OL15 – Purbeck and South Dorset
Start – Abbotsbury car park
Refreshments – None on route but nearby Abbotsbury offers a selection
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