Blackmanston

From the coastal cliffs of Kimmeridge, wander inland down into the valley of the River Corfe. Pass the mysterious Harp Stone, once marking an ancient route now sunk into the ground, and carved by centuries of rain, wind and sea spray. Clamber the remaining earthworks of Whiteway and zig zag up the Purbeck Hills to views over Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour. Follow the hilltop to Creech Grange Arch, the sky framed through its window from the manor house below. Pass through Steeple, home to the ancestors of America’s first president, George Washington, their coat of arms the inspiration behind the famous Stars and Stripes of the American Flag. Skim Blackmanston, where the murderess Martha Brown met her victim, before returning via the Devil’s Staircase to rewarding views over the Jurassic Coastline.

Distance: 5miles/8km

Time: 2-3 hour

Ability: Medium – steep climbs but easy terrain.

Max height: 665ft

Min height: 183ft

Total climb: 535ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.

Start Point: Kimmeridge Quarry Car Park. (Postcode: BH20 5PH, Grid Reference: SY918800, What Three Words: blinks.mixes.chromatic).

Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset.

How to get there: From Wareham, take the A351 bypass around the west of the town. Turn right onto Grange Road and after about 2 miles pass Creech Grange on the right. Climb up the steep rise of Grange Hill and curve tightly at the top around to the left. Drop back down the hill and bend to the left past Steeple. Take the next right, climbing up the Devils Staircase to the peak. Pass a small lane coming from the left to find the quarry entrance soon after.

Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.

Refreshments: None on route but nearby is The New Inn in Church Knowle, The Scott Arms in Kingston and The Clavell Restaurant in Kimmeridge.

Neighbouring Walks: Kimmeridge, Steeple, Church Knowle, Swyre Head and Chapman’s Pool.