Walks Programme
Thank you to all the walk leaders who have submitted walks for this Spring Programme. Without you this programme would not be possible, so please keep sending them to me, and if you have walks that you would like to include in the next programme (Summer/Autumn 2024 – July to October), then you can send them to me any time. I would especially like some walks from new walk leaders, so if you haven’t led a walk before please give it a try.
It is a nearly full programme of walks. Special thanks to several new walk leaders who are leading walks in this programme.
Please note that we are no longer including Car Share times from Swanage (Northbrook Road lay-by opposite Days Park) except for walks where the walk leader will cover it.
Please remember that some walks can be wet and muddy, so come in suitable clothing. If you are coming in someone else’s car then please bring a change of shoes and a bag to put your muddy boots into.
I hope to see you all on the walks this Spring.
Brian Arnold – brianarnold666@gmail.com
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GRID REFs and POSTCODEs: Show the starting points of walks. CAR SHARE: We only include a car share time where the walk leader will be at the lay-by in Northbrook Road opposite Day’s Park (SZ 026 799 / BH19 1QW). We suggest passengers make a contribution towards petrol costs, in proportion to the distance travelled. Please bring a change of shoes or covers for your shoes to avoid getting other people’s cars dirty. Note that there is no guarantee of lifts being available. CAR SHARE TIME: Indicates the time when cars will leave the Northbrook Road lay-by. BUS TIMES: Are departure times. Unless otherwise stated, all bus information is for “More” buses from Swanage Bus & Rail Station. Confirm times when latest bus timetable is printed. Concessionary bus passes are not valid for use on services before 09:30 Mon-Fri [N.B. valid all day on Saturdays]. MEMBERS TRAVELLING BY BUS from the Wareham direction for walks starting from Corfe Castle should contact the walk leader beforehand to let the leader know they could be late arriving for the start. WALKS DETAILS & POOR WEATHER: Walk leaders should be contacted if further information is needed about their walks. In inclement weather, please check your e-mail for late cancellation, even on the morning of the walk. For those members not on e-mail, please call the walk leader if unsure whether the walk will take place. Walk leaders have the right to decide whether to start a walk or not and to abandon or alter walks if they believe it is warranted by the conditions.
March Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the March 2024 walks. The PDF contains walks information as originally published. Any changes to walks or cancellations will be emailed to members or shown in the list below.
Saturday 2nd – EDGE OF SWANAGE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 030 802 / BH19 1NE
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 09:25 (No. 50)
Meet at the former Ballard Stores, Ulwell. Walk around the edge of Swanage via Ulwell, Godlingston Manor, Marsh Copse, Leeson Woods, Herston, Priests Way/Priests Road and back along the Swanage Sea front.
Wednesday 6th – CORFE CASTLE LOOP
N.B.: THIS WALK IS CANCELLED.
Start Time: 10.00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Julie and Dave Rollinson – 07935 22653
Car Share: 09:30
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet and park at Corfe Castle National Trust car park. Fairly easy walk with one short climb. Mostly in woodland, passing a ruined mill, ball clay pits and Scotland Farm. All very pleasant walk.
Saturday 9th – NORDEN PLANTATION AND PURBECK HILLS
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.25 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Meet at Corfe NT Visitor Centre. Woodland path towards East Creech, road to Stonehill Down then ridge path with descent to Corfe Castle. Join leader after the walk for tea at NT café. Some muddy patches, great views.
Wednesday 13th – CULPEPPERS DISH TO MORETON
N.B.: THIS WALK IS CANCELLED.
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 814 924 / DT2 7HZ
Leader: Bryan Stubbs – 01202 280427 / 07710 016849
Notes: Postcode is for nearby Culpeppers Cottage which is ¼ mile east of CP.
Meet at Culpeppers Dish CP for a walk along the Jubilee Trail through Oakers Wood to Moreton. Break at Dovecote Café, Moreton. Return via Moreton Plantation and Clouds Hill.
Saturday 16th – HORTON CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 017 086 / BH21 5AD
Leader: Penny and Mike Cleaver – 07870 437967 / 07778 505168
Park in Horton Inn car park (north of Wimborne, on the road to Cranborne). Circular walk taking in villages of Chalbury, Chalbury Common and Horton, stopping off to see 13th century All Saints Church in Chalbury and the Horton tower. Walking through a mixture of fields and copses, with wide views over the downs. A relatively easy walk with several stiles on route and a very short length of road walking. Option to join leaders for lunch in Horton Inn afterwards.
Wednesday 20th – ABBOTSBURY, PORTESHAM, EAST ELWORTH, SWCP
N.B.: THE START POINT FOR THIS WALK HAS CHANGED.
Start Time: 10.00
Distance: About 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 597 831 / DT3 4JG
Leader: Jill Carter – 07939 463926
Notes: All day walk. Bring picnic lunch
Park and meet in the car park outside the Swannery in Abbotsbury (New Barn Road). The parking is free.
The walk leader was also changed the walk slightly to avoid an extremely muddy path. The walk will go around St Catherine’s chapel and then take the coast path to Portesham with just one small hill. Return to Abbotsbury via the disused railway track. A lovely walk with nice views.
Saturday 23th – WORTH MATRAVERS, EMMETS HILL
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Meet at Worth Matravers car park. Walk via Worth, Hill Bottom, along coast going down Emmets Hill (200 steps) returning to Worth via footpath to quarry. Option for refreshments at Square and Compass at end of the walk. Note: The walk leader says if there is significant rain in the days before the walk, or the threat of significant rain on the morning of the walk, he will do the walk in reverse. This would mean walking up Emmets Hill rather than down, but would be safer (although more tiring).
Wednesday 27th – HERSTON TO DURLSTON
N.B.: THIS WALK IS CANCELLED.
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 016 789 / BH19 2NW
Leader: Jackie and Peter Jacobs – 01929 422207 / 07711 799877
Start by Harlee’s fish & chip shop, junction of Jubilee Rd and High St, Swanage. Parking in roads nearby. Walk from Herston up to cliffs, and to Durlston Castle (probably via Tilly Whim) and back via Townsend Nature Reserve. Lovely sea views. Some hills and 1 steep climb. May be muddy and slippery in parts. Stop at Durlston Castle half way for coffee break in cafe, or bring your own snack.
Saturday 30th – KINGSTON / SWYRE HEAD VIA WEST ORCHARD
N.B.: THIS WALK IS CANCELLED.
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.2 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 953 794
Leader: Mike Greenleaves – 07947 062514
Start at Hounstout free car park, Kingston. Walk via Blashenwell, West Orchard Farm, Newfoundland, Heaven’s Gate, Swyre Head, and back to Kingston for optional visit to the Scott Arms.
April Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the April 2024 walks. The PDF contains walks information as originally published. Any changes to walks or cancellations will be emailed to members or shown in the list below.
Wednesday 3rd – NORTH SWANAGE AND OLD HARRY
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 029 802 / BH19 1NE
Leader: Helen Hannay – 07464 938760
Meet and park by Ballard Stores (now closed). Walk via Ballard Down and Old Harry, then into Studland. Return up to the Glebe Estate and down to North Swanage via Whitecliff Farm.
Saturday 6th – CORFE CASTLE & EAST CREECH CIRCULAR (PRIMROSE WALK)
Start Time: 09.40
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet at Corfe Castle NT car park. Head via Knowle Hill and Ridgeway Hill towards Stonehill Down. Return via East Creech and Purbeck Way. Great views across heathland to coast. Fairly steep climb at start and fairly deep mud to be expected on Purbeck Way. Hope to encounter lots of primroses (hopefully in bloom!!) on return to Corfe Castle.
Note: The walk leader has decided to miss out part of the walk because of particularly muddy and slippery conditions on the Purbeck Way on the approach to Corfe Castle. Unfortunately, most of the primroses are on the omitted section so the “Primrose Walk” has becomes a walk with a few primroses. Although the most slippery part of the walk has been omitted, there will still be mud and slippery bits. Walking poles/sticks recommended.
Wednesday 10th – BALLARD DOWN / SWANAGE
N.B.: THIS WALK IS CANCELLED.
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 029 802 / BH19 1NE
Leader: Julie and Dave Rollinson – 07935 226533
Notes: Let me know if you want feeding please by 7th April (by text message).
Meet and park by Ballard Stores (now closed). Walk to Whitecliff Farm, taking the lower path along Ballard Down, skirting Godlingston Hill to Godlingston Manor, crossing to the allotments and back through Days Park to 10 Moor Road for soup and scones if wanted. A couple of stiles, 2 ascents – not scary, lovely views of Swanage Bay. Let leader know if you want feeding please by 7th April. (by text message).
Saturday 13th – WAREHAM TO CREECH BOTTOM AND RIDGE
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 923 871 / BH20 4LP
Leader: Celia and Nick Arnold – 01929 552150 / 07950 847450
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet at Wareham Quay. If driving then park in nearby roads. Fairly flat walk via Stoborough, Bog Lane to Creech Bottom. Across the main road to the old tram way. Follow this back to Ridge, RedCliffe and river path to the Quay.
Wednesday 17th – ACTON CIRCULAR SHORT
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 3-4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 997 783 / BH19 3JD
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 10.00 (No. 40)
Meet at Spyway Barn National Trust Car Park (signposted from main road through Langton Matravers). A shortish circular walk, designed to take in glorious coastal views while remaining fairly level. Uses parts of Priests Way and various National Trust permissive paths. Stop for break at dinosaur footprints.
Note: Because of particularly muddy conditions on the National Trust permissive paths, the walk leader has decided to change the route of this walk. The starting point and time remain the same. Starting on the Priests Way, the walk will continue through to Worth Matravers – stopping at the duck pond for a break. There are toilets at the nearby car park. The return will be the same but diverting through Acton and Tom’s Field. “Not so much a circular walk but a figure of six!”.
Saturday 20th – THERE IS NO WALK FOR TODAY
If you would like to lead a walk on this date please contact Brian Arnold.
Wednesday 24th – WINFRITH NEWBURGH TO WEST LULWORTH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 10 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 805 844 / DT2 8HB
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk. Bring picnic lunch. NB: Postcode is the village car park at the very edge of the village by the church.
Start and park in Winfrith Newburgh car park next to church, or in High Street. A route following the Winfrith Drove to the edge of West Lulworth returning along Hardy Way to Coombe Keynes, Coombe Wood and return to car park. Mid lunch break. Route provides lovely views across open countryside, coast and woodland. Option afterwards for a drink at The Red Lion pub. No stiles with challenging ascents and ruins to view. Walking boots and poles required.
Saturday 27th – KINGSTON TO CORFE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:35
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 953 794
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)
Meet at Houns Tout car park Kingston. Head to Corfe via Blashenwell Farm. Return via Corfe Common and Purbeck Way. No steep ascents or descents, 4 stiles and some muddy patches very likely on Purbeck Way. Great views over Corfe Castle on this walk. Optional drink in Scott’s Arms following walk. If anyone wishes to come by bus from the Wareham direction please let leader know so that he waits for bus.
Monday 29th – SWANAGE WALKING GROUP AGM
Start Time: 18.30 for 19.00
Chair: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Swanage Walking Group AGM will be held at All Saints Hall in Swanage.
Full details will be emailed to all walking group members.
May Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the May 2024 walks. The PDF contains walks information as originally published. Any changes to walks or cancellations will be emailed to members or shown in the list below.
Wednesday 1st – SYMONDSBURY, CHIDEOCK, THORNCOMBE BEACON, EYPE
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 8.1 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 445 937 / DT6 6HG
Leader: Brian Arnold – 01929 480224 / 07740 980056
Notes: All day walk. Bring a picnic lunch. Please car share
N.B. The description for this walk changed on April 25. For more details, see email sent by walk leader on that day.
Park and meet at Symondsbury Estate free car park in Mill Lane, Symondsbury – follow signs for Symondsbury Estate and Colmers Hill (toilets at start). Very hilly walk (total ascent 2100 ft), several stiles. Walk via Hell Lane, Chideock, Seatown (toilets) then coast path up to Doghouse Hill, Thorncombe Beacon (515 ft), down to Eype Mouth. Return via Eype Down, and Downhouse Farm. Option to also climb the spectacular Colmers Hill at start or end of walk (extra 0.7 mile, 250 ft ascent). The walk will take about 5 hours.
Saturday 4th – KIMMERIDGE QUARRY – TYNEHAM CAP – KIMMERIDGE BAY
Start Time: 10.00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 919 801
Leader: Peter and Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095
Car Share: 09:00
Meet at Kimmeridge Quarry Car Park. Walk westward along ridge towards Brandy Bay and ascend to Tyneham Cap. Return at Ocean Seat along coastal path to Kimmeridge village. Great views throughout.
Wednesday 8th – GREENLAND’S FARM TO NORDEN – LINEAR WALK
Start Time: 10:25
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 025 843 / BH19 3AZ
Leader: John Hutchison – 07963 121184
Bus: 10.05 (No. 50) – Note: Bus time to be confirmed
Notes: This is a linear walk, using bus at each end. If you are not resident in Swanage, then get to Swanage in time to park before catching the bus.
Take 50 bus from Swanage station. Get off and meet at Goathorn Farm bus stop (postcode is for Greenland’s Farm track). Follow Poole Harbour Trail westward via Greenland’s Farm, Newton, Wytch Farm, and Sharford Bridge, to finish at Norden. Largely flat, easy walking on paths and tracks across the heath. A couple of stiles. café (and toilets?) at Norden, but not before! Catch No. 40 bus from Norden back to Swanage.
Saturday 11th – SEATOWN TO EYPE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 419 917 / DT6 6JU
Leader: Penny and Mike Cleaver – 07870 437967 / 07778 505168
Notes: All day walk. Bring a picnic lunch
Park in the car park at Seatown (cost to be confirmed after recce), accessed down a narrow lane off the A35 from Chideock. Walking from Seatown to West Bay along the Monarch’s Way coastal path, then heading inland to Lower Eype and returning to Seatown. Several steep ascents and descents, but with beautiful views over the coast and countryside. Option to stay for a drink at the pub in Seatown after the walk.
Wednesday 15th – BURNBAKE, SHARFORD BRIDGE AND BUSHEY
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 995 835 / BH20 5JH
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Car Share: 09:30
Notes: There is a parking charge of £2 at Burnbake (for the staff tip box) which the leader will collect
Meet at Burnbake camp site (WC). A lovely circular walk on mainly good paths through trees, the Corfe valley (hopefully not too flooded by then) and Bushey. May be some mud. Mainly flatish with no stiles.
Saturday 18th – SPETISBURY CIRCULAR WALK
Start Time: 10.00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 906 028 / DT11 9DF
Leader: Clive and Rosemary Hargrave – 01929 550399 / 07791 776338
Meet and park in car park by Spetisbury Primary School for a circular walk over water meadows to Tarrant Crawford church, returning along the North Dorset Trailway to start.
Wednesday 22nd – ACTON, QUARR FARM, LANGTON CIRCULAR SHORT WALK
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 10.00 (No. 40)
Meet at Acton Lane car park just off the B3069 at the top end of Langton Matravers. A short, pleasant circular walk to Quarr Farm, out via Primrose Hill, returning via top end of Langton Matravers.
Saturday 25th – THERE IS NO WALK FOR TODAY
If you would like to lead a walk on this date please contact Brian Arnold.
Wednesday 29th – FERNDOWN TO LONGHAM CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 11.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 065 007 / BH22 9SY
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk. Bring a picnic lunch. NB: Postcode is the housing estate opposite car park
Park and start from the car park (unmade lane) opposite the junction of Bracken Road and Wimborne Road East. A route following the Ferndown, Stour and Forest Trail. Mid lunch break. Route is through woodland across open common and alongside the Stour river and Longham lakes. Option to meet afterwards for a drink at The Pure Drop pub. A fairly flat walk with one ascent. Walking boots and poles required. NB: Postcode is the housing estate opposite car park.
June Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the June 2024 walks. The PDF contains walks information as originally published. Any changes to walks or cancellations will be emailed to members or shown in the list below.
Saturday 1st – STOUR VALLEY NORTH OF BOURNEMOUTH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 7.3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 047 976 / BH21 3AS
Leader: Bryan Stubbs – 01202 280427 / 07710 016849
Notes: All day walk. Bring picnic lunch. NB: Postcode is for nearby Knighton Farm
Park at overflow car park (no charge) at Canford SANG off of Magna Road.
(Right at traffic lights at top of Gravel Hill. 1-2 miles further on turn left at traffic lights opposite new housing estate. Then immediately left through the gates and follow long drive to car park.) Flat walk via Stour Valley Way, Millhams Mead, Longham Lakes, Little Canford and Canford Magna.
Monday 3rd – ULWELL, KNITSON, GODLINGSTON MANOR (EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 17.30
Distance: 3.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 021 809 / BH19 3DG
Leader: Brian Arnold – 01929 480224 / 07740 980056
Bus: 17.05? (No. 50)
Meet and start at Ulwell layby opposite the Village Inn. Walk via the base of Nine Barrow Down to Knitson, returning via Godlingston Manor. Option to go to the Village Inn after the walk for drinks/food.
Wednesday 5th – ALMER TO WINTERBORNE ZELSTON
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 907 977 / DT11 9EW
Leader: Karen Pratley – 01929 792497 / 07773 523060
Meet and park at The Worlds End pub car park. A lovely gentle undulating walk around the mid Dorset countryside. Open field views and a ramble through the delightful village of Winterborne Zelston. Option of a drink or lunch at the Worlds End after the walk.
Saturday 8th – STUDLAND TO AGGLESTONE ROCK AND OBELISK
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 037 825 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Liz Tonks – 01929 288814 / 07941 060958
Bus: 09:20 (No. 50)
Park and start at the South Beach NT Car Park adjacent to Bankes Arms in Studland. Walk to Agglestone Rock, and then down the track alongside the Golf Course, crossing the road and then up to the Obelisk. Then along the ridge descending to return to the Bankes Arms.
Wednesday 12th – CORFE – KINGSTON CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Peter and Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095
Car Share: 09.15
Meet at Corfe NT Visitor Car Park. Easy walk along track from West Street. Over Corfe Common to Blashenwell Farm and Kingston. Return is a bit more challenging, muddy with a few stiles then over common to Townsend. Cross railway bridge, follow line towards Corfe, back under the line to Corfe School and village.
Thursday 13th – DURLSTON VICTORIAN TRAIL (EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 18:00
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 031 788 / BH19 1DD
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Meet outside Mowlem Theatre at 18:00 for a circular walk to Durlston Castle, going out via the coast path and returning via the flower meadows. The walk will broadly follow the route of the designated Durlston Victorian trial. Join leader for a drink and/or food afterwards at the Red Lion.
Saturday 15th – HOLTON HEATH AND GORE HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 940 913 / BH16 6JY
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Notes: Leader will not be on the bus, but will be at the Clay Pipe Inn for 10:00
Use No. 40 bus from Swanage to arrive at Clay Pipe Inn at 09:52. The walk will start from the Clay Pipe Inn at 10:00. Bus users will then walk to meet car users to arrive for 10:20. Car drivers to park in Station Road by 10:20 at the 2nd bend (SY 943 903, BH16 6HX) – this is half a mile from the turning off of the A351 (by the car wash) going towards Holton Heath Station. Circular walk from Holton Heath, through Gore Heath, with views of Wareham Forest and Poole harbour. The terrain is reasonably flat.
Wednesday 19th – CHICKERELL, THE FLEET AND LANGTON HERRING
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 6.75 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 633 805 / DT3 4EB
Leader: Brian Arnold – 01929 480224 / 07740 980056
Notes: All day walk. Bring picnic lunch. Please car share. Parking charge £1 per car
Meet at Holy Trinity church on Fleet Road (1 mile from junction with B3157 at Chickerell). Park in churchyard beyond church on gravel or on grass up to far end gate. Parking charge £1 per car. Mostly level circular walk, including along edge of The Fleet, the Old and New Holy Trinity churches. A few stiles and some road walking. Spectacular views of the Chesil Bank and along the Fleet.
Thursday 20th – SANDBANKS TO DURLEY CHINE RETURN (EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 16:30
Distance: 6.4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 043 876 / BH13 7QD
Leader: Peter and Lyn Hool – 01929 450392 / 07720 981404
Bus: 15:50 (No. 50)
Bus from Swanage (No. 50). Meet at exit of Sandbanks Shore Road CP opposite North Haven yacht club (car park is expensive!). Alternative parking at NT Shell Bay, then ferry as foot passenger to walk to Shore Road CP for start of walk. Walk along Banks Road to Shore Road along harbour side. Then turn onto beach promenade at Shore Road and walk along promenade to Durley Chine. Take a picnic or eat at Harvester. Menu is on their website. Walk back via harbour to enjoy sunset. Flat easy walking.
Return by bus (at 20:11 or 21:11 or 22:11 – times to be confirmed.)
Saturday 22nd – PORTLAND CIRCULAR WALK
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 684 744 / DT5 1AZ
Leader: Clive and Rosemary Hargrave – 01929 550399 / 07791 776338
Notes: All day walk. Bring packed lunch
Meet outside Portland Castle, park in nearby car park or alongside roads. Walk to bus stop and catch bus to Reap Lane (Bus pass needed, fare will be advised nearer the time). Walk down west side of Portland, coffee and toilet stop at Portland Bill. Then via Church Ope (lunch stop), Easton and across island to Tout Quarry. Return by Merchant’s Incline to start. Steep steps and some rocky paths.
N.B.: there is a toilet just before walk start point at Lidl, Hamm Beach Road, Portland DT5 1SA. SY 681 745 (left at first roundabout after causeway).
Wednesday 26th – WEST LULWORTH TO WEST BOTTOM CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 822 807 / BH20 5SG
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Park and start in Church Road opposite Holy Trinity Church in West Lulworth. A route following the high ridge, passing Daggers Gate to West Bottom. Returning along the coastal path to Durdle Door and back to Trinity Church. Walking boots and poles required. Some challenging ascents and descents.
Saturday 29th – TOM’S FIELD TO SEACOMBE BOTTOM AND WORTH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 6 miles (ish)
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 995 785 / BH19 3HN
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)
Meet at the camp site end of Toms Field Road, Langton Matravers – parking sensitively (Acton and Spyway not far away). Past Sea Spray and down to explore the sea at Seacombe and the old quarries. Along coast path towards Winspit and then over East Man to Worth for a drink and pasty. Back along the Priests Way and Acton village. Good views; lovely coastal spot for coffee. Two stiles and one descent and one steep climb. Rocky coast at Seacombe.