Walk 1329 - Durdle Door & White Nothe from Lulworth Cove

      
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The white cliffs of the Dorset coast to the west of Lulworth Cover offer some excellent walking. The undulating nature of the path makes any route rather more challenging than one might expect although the effort is always rewarded withe fine coastal views. The first section of this route to Durdle Door can be very busy in fine summer weather and it might be better to visit mid-week out of season.

   
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There is a large pay and display carpark at Lulworth Cove (Grid ref. SY821800). In addition there is a reasonable bus service connecting Lulworth with towns and villages in the immediate area. From the car park take the wide paved path that slants uphill in a westerly direction. This is the first of many ascents although generally the effort is compensated by the views. The wide path continues west to reach Durdle Door where you can drop down to the beach for a closer view. However do remember that you need to reagin height by climbing up from the beach so careful thought is required before making a rash choice. As with all of the outward route you are following the South West Coast Path, which is one of the finest National Trails in the UK.

From Durdle Door you leave behind many of the crowds. The path narrows and the switchback nature of the path soon becomes evident with a couple of fairly steep ascents. The final 460ft ascent up to White Nothe past the beacon seems longer than it is despite the wonderful retrospective view back towards Durdle Door from the highest point (Grid ref. SY 776808). After enjoying the view, retrace your steps for a short way to the fence (Grid ref. SY 778 808) where you turn left and follow the path to a track (Grid ref. SY 780810).

Turn right along the track and begin the return to Lulworth Cove. The track is easily graded and progress is fast passing some concrete fossils in the wall on your left. Keep straight ahead to reach a fence (Grid ref. SY 800811) where you take the path forking right to continue to the road at Newlands Farm (Grid ref. SY 810810). Turn right and follow the road through the caravan site. On reaching the southern boundary of the site cross the stile and turn left to follow a path that crosses the northern flank of Hanbury Tout. Just above Hambury Farm bear right and continue to the start.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL15
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 194

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"