Walk 1995 - printer friendly version

Houns-tout & Swyre Head from Kimmeridge Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 8.7 miles / 14.1 km

Ascent - 1100 feet / 333 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SY918800
Lat 50.6196480 + Long -2.1172720
Postcode BH20 5PH (approx. location only)

This Dorset walk from the village of Kimmeridge combines a beautiful section of the Jurassic Coast with a segment along an escarpment offering wide ranging views to the coast. The route uses well-signed paths and follows sections of the South West Coast Path and Hardy Way.

The start is the small car park located in a quarry above the village of Kimmeridge (Grid ref. SY918800). After parking exit the parking area and turn right. Turn left onto the path signed to Kimmeridge and descend past the church to the road in the village. Continue downhill towards the sea and follow the toll road down to its end and turn right past the toilets to join the South West Coast Path (grid ref. SY910788).

The onward route follows the coast path for five kilometres. Soon after joining the coast path, you pass the Clavell Tower. Initially the path is undulating but nearing Houns-tout cliff there is a steep ascent onto the cliff top. Reaching a stone seat (grid ref. SY950773) turn left over a stile towards Kingston. Initially the path crosses farmland along the edge of the escarpment. As you near Kingston the path passes through pleasant woodland (The Plantation) to reach Houns-tout car park and a lane (grid ref. SY954800).

Turn left along the lane and continue to the next car park (grid ref. SY943793). Turn left and follow a clear track across the downs to reach Swyre Head with its trig column and superb panoramic view along the coast. Turn sharp right through a gate and continue along the escarpment for three kilometres back to the start enjoying excellent views for much of the way.

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