Kimmeridge

Explore the little bowl of Kimmeridge. Climb up its easterly peak to the Clavell Tower, once a folly then a coastguard station now a holiday home. Skim the wide open bay, darkened by its precious black rock, to Gaulter Gap. Follow the little river upstream to reach the hidden hamlet, so out of the way it was one of the last settlements in the county to receive electricity and water. Stay on the village road between a museum, a restaurant and a collection of thatched, stone cottages to return to the babbling stream. Retrace your footsteps to the coast with views out to sea, the waves crashing on the shallow rock, the water often scattered with surfers.

Distance: 2.5 miles/4km  

Duration: 1-2 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 195ft.

Min Height: 0ft.

Total climb: 320ft.

Terrain: Tracks, paths, roads and pebble beach. Can get very muddy and slippy! Please be aware of Tide Times.

Map: OS Explorer OL 15 Purbeck and South Dorset

Start Point: Kimmeridge Slipway Car Park (Payment required to access). (Postcode: BH20 5PE, Grid Reference: SY910787, What Three Words: cowering.helpful.richest).

How to Get There:  From Wareham, travel south through the town and over the River Frome. When the road splits in Stoborough veer off to the right to meet the A351. Turn left then immediately right, following signs to Creech, Steeple and Kimmeridge. Stay on the same road to pass the impressive Creech Grange and up Grange Hill. At the peak, turn sharply around to the left to descend into Steeple. Skim the village and church to take the next right hand turning, following it into Kimmeridge. Stay on the same road to the toll* then follow it past the first car park to find the slipway parking area on the right.

*Alternatively free parking can be found at the quarry (Postcode: BH20 5PE, Grid Reference: SY918800, What Three Words: journals.alpha.brick). Take the footpath opposite the quarry entrance down to the church and join the walk from there.

Toilets: Available in the Slipway car park.

Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route. Dogs allowed on the beach all year round.

Refreshments: On route is the Clavell Restaurant in Kimmeridge and nearby are The Weld Arms in East Lulworth, The New Inn in Church Knowle and The Scott Arms in Kingston.

Neighbouring Walks: Steeple, East Creech, Church Knowle, Swyre Head and Tyneham.