Dip down to the stone outcrops and curving coves of Durdle Door and Man o War. Hear the roar of the shingle pulled back by waves which claimed the lives of the maidens of Lulworth Castle. Climb up the cliff of Swyre Head to meet the chalk arch embedded into Bat’s Head. Continue to wander along the clifftop to a number of hidden bays with the Jurassic Coastline disappearing off the west and the Isle of Portland out to sea. Circle past the 19th century navigational beacons either side of the ancient Ridgeway to views east over Lulworth Cove. Return by skimming the ridge of Scratchy Bottom, where Gabriel Oak’s sheep were driven off the cliff by his very own sheepdog in Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far From The Madding Crowd’.
Distance: 5 miles/8km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ability: Medium. A few hard climbs.
Max Height: 570ft.
Min Height: 0ft.
Total climb: 1375ft.
Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads.
Map: OS Explorer OL 25 Purbeck and South Dorset
Start Point: Durdle Door Car Park – on private land and open from 8am to 9pm. Payment required. (Postcode: BH20 5RS, Grid Reference: SY811804, What Three Words: term.outdoor.astounded).
There is alternative parking at Newlands Meadow which opens at 6am.
How to Get There: From Wareham head west on the A352 all the way to Wool. Cross over the railway and turn right to continue on the same road for about 2 miles. Shortly after passing through West Knighton, turn left and drive through Winfrith Newburgh. Curve around to the left, skimming the church on the right and stay on the same road op past Daggons Gate. When the road begins to descent, turn sharply right to Durdle Holiday Park. Continue straight through the park to find the carpark on the coast.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: Occasionally a snack bar is available in the car park but nearby are The Red Lion in Winfrith Newburgh, The Lulworth Cove Inn in Lulworth and The Smugglers Inn in Osmington Mills.
Neighbouring Walks: Osmington Mills, Winfrith Newburgh, Winfrith, Lulworth, Coombe Keynes and Tyneham.
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.