Challenging 30 mile circular coast and ridge hike with spectacular panoramic views
Duration: 12 hours
Distance: 48 kms (30 miles)
Total Ascent: 1,500m
Difficulty: Strenuous
An exceptional circular walk from The White House (red pin on map) with spectacular panoramic views of the picturesque Isle of Purbeck and its coast. Following the South West Coast Path and the Purbeck Hills ridge, the route is effectively a combination of the Isle of Purbeck east and west circuits, which are in turn based on the recommended shorter walks from Swanage to Durlston, Durlston to Dancing Ledge, around St. Aldhelm’s Head, on to Kimmeridge then Tyneham before returning along the chalk ridge from Flower’s Barrow (red marker on map) to Corfe Castle and finally the Purbeck Way back to Swanage.
It is important to prepare properly before embarking on this long walk. First, check that the MOD Lulworth Ranges are open as past Kimmeridge you will be walking across the live-fire training area. A good level of fitness is required, not just for the distance to be covered and hence time walking, but due to the undulating nature of the walk the total elevation change is not much short of 10,000 feet! Note the return leg along the ridge is the shorter section – 13 miles versus 17 miles along the coast – and as the ridge generally has less inclines and descents it is recommended to do this section last, i.e. walk in a clockwise direction. This benefit may however be negated if a strong westerly wind is blowing.
Food, drink and water provisions en-route are hard to come by with the first opportunity to stop for re-supply being the village of Corfe Castle, after some 25 miles. In the summer season a mobile snack van can be found in Kimmeridge Bay car park, but it should not be relied upon so it is vital to carry enough food and particularly water with you. A suggestion if you are with a group where not everyone wants to embark on this full day hike is to organise a rendezvous somewhere like Kimmeridge Bay or Worbarrow Bay where they can bring replenishment supplies and perhaps join you for a section of one of the circular walks around Kimmeridge and Tyneham. An early start is also recommended, not just to maximise daylight at the end of the day but the mornings are much cooler helping to set a good and comfortable pace at the beginning. Having regular drink or snack breaks are also important to stop dehydration and energy loss.
Another benefit of doing the walk in a clockwise direction is if fatigue, blisters, muscle strains etc sets in (remember to have a basic first aid kit with you) it is much easier to be collected by car, as from the return point at Flower’s Barrow you are never that far from a road. A bus and train service is also available back to Swanage from Corfe Castle.
Enjoy!
The White House - Swanage 