Great cliff and ridge top views in the heritage filled Swanage to Corfe Castle circuit
Duration: 7 hours 45 mins
Distance: 30 kms (18.6 miles)
Total Ascent: 830m
Difficulty: Strenuous
This circular all day walk from Swanage is in fact more like a square with each side displaying a different aspect of the Isle of Purbeck: the east side dominated by Swanage Bay with the seaside town, beach and promenade leading to Durlston Country Park; the southern side the rugged limestone cliffs, home to many birds and the historic quarrying industry; to the west the Encombe Estate and the ancient Corfe Common grassland; and to the north the Purbeck Way running along the crest of the chalk ridge from historic Corfe Castle back towards Swanage.
The descriptions and guide to the first half of the walk starting from The White House (marked with red pin) can be found in the Swanage to Durlston, Durlston to Dancing Ledge and the St. Aldhelm’s Head walks. In the latter, after passing the Royal Marines Monument on the cliff top at Emmetts Hill and then the footpath to the Renscombe Farm car park, keep straight following the South West Coast Path that descends ahead into Hill Bottom [note the alternative path left that leads down into Chapman’s Pool is steep, plus the crossing in the valley to Houns-tout Cliff can be unstable especially during wet periods]. At the Hill Bottom road turn left, towards and past a row of cottages and then follow the farm track around the base of the hill, looking for a left path that crosses towards a gate on the other side of the valley, and then head back towards the coast and to the foot of the steep steps leading up to Houns-tout cliff. At the top fine views towards Swyre Head, Clavell Tower and on towards Lulworth can be enjoyed before heading north and inland with the Encombe House estate below on the left. The footpath enters a wood before exiting onto the road by a car park. Turn right to the village of Kingston, where a good spot for a drink or lunch can be found at The Scott Arms with fine views over towards Corfe Castle and the next phase of your walk.
The route from Kingston to Corfe Castle follows the Hardy Way. Look for the signposts and track that forks off the road at the western edge of the village, opposite St. James’s Church, then the footpath right onto a track, followed by the footpath left that takes you downhill across the valley before climbing again onto the open ground of the National Trust’s Corfe Common. Leave the common on the outskirts of Corfe Castle heading north along West Street to the centre of the village where there are plentiful pubs, shops etc for food and drink. Continue through the village and with the castle and the Greyhound pub on your left walk down the road turning right on the bend that leads under a railway arch. Off this road a track leads up the side of the ridge to the top and along the Purbeck Way, the northern leg of the walk. Continue on the Purbeck Way and follow the directions back to Swanage and The White House (in reverse) as described in the Swanage to Corfe Castle walk.
The White House - Swanage 