Walk 1533 - printer friendly version

Gad Cliff, Povington Hill & Tyneham Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km

Ascent - 1200 feet / 364 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SY882802
Lat 50.621384 + Long -2.1681662
Postcode BH20 5DE (approx. location only)

This energetic walk offers exceptional coastal views and starts from car park in the deserted village of Tyneham (Grid ref. SY882802). Tyneham was evacuated in 1943 prior to D-Day and the villagers were never allowed back. There is also a small museum.

From the car park walk south to Tyneham Farm and take the ascending track and path south to the top of Gad Cliff (grid ref. SY884796). You immediately have a wonderful coastal panorama along the Dorset Coast. Turn right onto the South West Coast Path with the sea to your left. The path descends slowly at first before dropping more steeply down to Warbarrow Bay.

Like all coastal walking the path follows a switchback and you soon start to climb again to the ancient hill fort of Flower?s Barrow (grid ref. SY864805). At this point we are going to turn right inland to Whiteway Hill but before doing so it's worth walking a short way west to enjoy the view along the coast towards Lulworth.

Take the signed path along the ridge eastwards to Whiteway Hill (grid ref. SY876809). Continue in the same direction towards the next summit along the ridge, Povington Hill, descending to reach a road (grid ref. SY881810). Follow the path to Povington Hill (grid ref. SY887811) which offers a wonderful panorama.

Having enjoyed the view, retrace your route along the ridge path bearing left downhill on a signed track at grid ref. SY881810 towards Tyneham village. The descent is gentle and you have a good view of the remains of the village below. Walk through the village to return to the car park.

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