Discover one of Dorset’s most beautiful, yet remote, coves on the Jurassic Coastline. From the little village of Kingston, high on the Purbeck ridge, wander through the woods of Encombe Estate. Clip the steep slopes as they roll down to the manor, Golden Bowl, and Purbeck Stone obelisk to reach Houns Tout, accompanied by views west to Kimmeridge and the Isle of Portland. Join the newly developed coastal path, combating a recent landslip, to views east over Chapman’s Pool and St Aldhelm’s Head. Drop down into the valley to detour to the beach, clambering over muddy slips and along eroding paths. Return to Hill Bottom to climb back up to Kingston, passing ancient settlements, a haunted pub, and Kingston’s own cathedral.
Distance: 3.5miles/7km or 5.5 miles/8.5km including beach
Time: 2-3 hours
Ability: Medium. Very hard path to the beach (sometimes the beach is not accessible unless risking getting stuck in the clay!)
Max height: 525ft
Min height: 0ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads. Uses the amended Coastal Path, installed 2025.
Total climb: 540ft
Start Point: Houns Tout Car Park (Postcode: BH20 5JS, Grid Reference: SY953794, What Three Words: irritable.ooze.shell).
Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset
How to get there: Head south out of Corfe Castle and turn right onto the B3069. Stay on the road for about 2 miles, climbing up the hill to Kingston. Once in the village, turn right, following the road past the church and into the trees. Turn left to find the car park, neighbouring the carriage drive to Encombe.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: Just off the route is The Scott Arms while nearby is The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers and Clavells Restaurant in Kimmeridge.
Neighbouring Walks: Swyre Head, Corfe Castle, Woolgarston, Langton Matravers, Worth Matravers and St Aldhelm’s Head.
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