Walk 2579 - Purbeck Coast

 
Click thumbnails for larger images.

From Swanage harbour follow signs to Durlston Country Park (Grid ref. SZ035773). From the car park walk to Durlston Head Castle to see the Great Globe weighing 40 tons which is a testament to the mason's art. Follow the path to Tilly Whim Caves and Anvil Point Lighthouse.

Continue along the coast path, enjoying the superb views on the way to Dancing Ledge (Grid ref. SY998769), which is a good picnic spot. There was quarrying of Purbeck Stone all along this coast. At Dancing Ledge there is also a small swimming pool blasted out of the rocks. The spot is also very popular with climbers.

Continue along the coast path past quarries at Seacombe Cliff (Grid ref. SY985766) and Winspit (Grid ref. SY977761). These are also good picnic spots and great places to watch the sea crash against the cliffs on stormy days. Turn inland at Winspit on the path to Worth Matravers (Grid ref. SY975775). This was a quarrying village hence the name of the pub -'The Square and Compass'.

Take the Langton Matravers road out of the village and after about 400 metres turn right onto the path known as the 'Priest's Way'. This route gives you some good examples of Purbeck Stone quarries. Follow this to near Belle Vue Farm (Grid ref. SZ016783) then turn south on the track leading back to the coast. When you reach the steep slope down to the sea you will see a path crossing ahead (Grid ref. SZ016772). Turn left (east) onto this path which heads back across Round Down towards Anvil Point picking up the main path back to the Durlston Country Park car park.

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 195

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.

La Fosse at Cranborne, Cranborne - Dorset
Bed & Breakfast - 15 miles / 24 km away

The Granville, Totland Bay Isle of Wight - Isle of Wight
Bed & Breakfast - 19 miles / 31 km away

Rockstone Cottage, Freshwater - Isle of Wight
Bed & Breakfast - 20 miles / 32 km away

Pebble Villa, Weymouth - Dorset
Bed & Breakfast - 23 miles / 36 km away

Greenwood Guest House, Weymouth - Dorset
Guest House - 23 miles / 36 km away

Self Catering Directory
A wide range of properties throughout UK & Europe

Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher
Search, choose and book your accommodation online.

Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales