From the forgotten village of Coombe Keynes, complete with a mass burial from the plague and a cottage haunted by witches, climb out to the valley to the high chalk hills. Weave through the ancient forest to descend into Winfrith Newburgh before taking the old smugglers’ route to the sea. Delve down into the little hamlet of Belhuish, consisting of only a crumbling barn, a farmhouse, and a thatched cottage. Climb back out to reach the ruins of Lulworth Castle’s boundary wall. Pass Clare’s Tower, almost buried in the trees, and then the North Towers, still guarding the entrance with an old metal gate. Return to Coombe Keynes using one of the many castle drives and between the medieval earthworks of the once much larger settlement.
Distance: 8 miles/13km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 545ft.
Min Height: 150ft.
Total climb: 620ft.
Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads.
Map: OS Explorer OL 15 Purbeck and South Dorset
Start Point: Church Lane. (Postcode: BH20 5PP, Grid Reference: SY842842, What Three Words: nearly.amplifier.lectured).
How to Get There: From Wareham, travel west on the A352 to Wool. Once over the railway line, turn left onto the B3071. After approximately 2 miles, turn left into Coombe Keynes to find parking just before the triangle near Church Lane.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Red Lion in Winfrith Newburgh, The Sailors Return in Chaldon Herring and The Weld Arms in East Lulworth.
Neighbouring Walks: Winfrith, Wool, Lulworth Estate, Lulworth and Bindon, Winfrith Newburgh and Tadnoll.
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