For Camp Bestival see bottom of page.
From a hidden location, buried in woodland and scattered with ancient barrows, take advantage of Lulworth Estate’s permissive paths through private grounds, filled with a number of romantic buildings all in different states of repair. Discover the wide open lake with a secret boathouse and fort dressed in battlements. Explore the impressive castle, its parkland and the hidden chapel to the ruins of Clare Tower and the North Lodges, cocooned and protected by surrounding woodland. Wander past the remains of the deserted village of Coombe Keynes to return through the heath and freshly planted saplings of Haremere Wood, all in the company of the odd glimmering view out to sea.
Distance: 7 miles/11km
Duration: 3 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 330ft.
Min Height: 87ft.
Total climb: 243ft.
Terrain: Path, track, road and field. The route uses the private permissive paths of Lulworth Estate, please check that these are open before traveling. NB: these are different to the Lulworth Ranges
Map: OL15 Explorer Purbeck and South Dorset
Start Point: Coombe Heath Nature Reserve. (Postcode: BH20 6AR, Grid Reference: SY858849, What Three Words: droplet.spilled.sheds)
How to Get There: From Wareham, head west on the A352. On entering Stokeford, turn left at the church and onto a small lane. Pass over the railway and the river and straight on at the crossroads. Continue on the same road for about a mile and when it turns sharply right, park out of the way on the left hand side.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route. Please adhere to any permissive path rules.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Weld Arms at East Lulworth or The Black Bear and The Ship Inn in Wool.
Neighbouring Walks: Wool & Bindon Abbey, Stoborough, Tyneham, Lulworth & Bindon Hill, Winfrith Newburgh, and Winfrith.
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Camp Bestival is one of the biggest festivals in the county. Set up by Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank in 2008 it has become one of the top summer gatherings for families with young children. With talent like Mr Tumble during the day and top headline acts at night, combined with a constant theme of fancy dress, all in the shadow of Lulworth Castle it provides a unique experience that is rarely found at other festivals.
We enjoyed this walk today. We extended the walk by walking from and back to Wool via the Hardy Way, making a total distance of 10.5 miles.
You timed it well, it will all be closed off soon for Camp Bestival! It’s a beautiful area!!