Ridge walk to the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle, with fine views over Poole Harbour and return via steam train
Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
Distance: 9 kms (5.5 miles)
Total Ascent: 260m
Difficulty: Moderate
Not just a fine walk but a great day out with an opportunity to explore the village and the ruins of Corfe Castle followed by a steam train journey back on the Swanage Railway. This walk starts from The White House (marked by the red pin), but there is also the option of driving up the Ulwell Rd and dropping a car in the lay-by opposite the Ulwell Caravan Park (blue marker on the map) to shorten the walk [pick up the footpath behind the lay-by and turn left following the base of the hill until you reach the main road and then follow the walk as described below].
From The White House turn right along Burlington Rd, and then right onto Ulwell / Redcliffe Rd. At the corner shop walk past Ballard Downs Stores to your right and keep on Redcliffe Rd which turns into Moor Rd. Take the right turn on to Hill Rd and as the road bends to the left keep straight on taking the Studland signposted path that leads between two new architect houses before running along between the fields. At the gate keep straight on, passing the Whitecliff National Trust sign and with the cottage on your right you will be on the sunken and hedge-lined path leading up to Ballard Down. Just after the gate and as the path emerges from the trees and starts to climb steeply you turn left in the direction of Ulwell onto the Purbeck Way footpath that runs along the foot of the Down. Keep on this contour path until you reach the Swanage to Studland Rd. Take extra care crossing the road here as it is a blind corner with vehicles coming fast down the hill.
Go through the gate, cross the field and pick up the stony track that climbs up the side of Godlingston Hill. At the top you are now on Nine Barrow Down with great views over Poole Harbour to your right and towards Langton Matravers and Kingston visible on the other side of the valley to your left. The high point of Swyre Head can also be seen in the distance. As the ridge path gradually descends towards Corfe Castle, keep an eye out for the nine mounds or tumuli from which this area gets its name. Ahead the castle ruins, perched on a knoll in the gap in the Purbeck Hills ridge, come into view, and at the communications tower take the left track off the ridge that leads down towards the village. As the track meets a minor road turn right passing through the railway arch to the main road and then turn left up to the village.
The iconic 11th Century castle, severely damaged during the English Civil War, is operated by the National Trust – check their website for opening times or Covid restrictions. In addition the village has a number of pubs, museum, model village and shops for lunch or an extended stop.
To return to Swanage you can either retrace your steps back along the ridge – note there is a footpath that runs along the base of the ridge to provide an alternative route but it lacks the views – or our recommendation is to take the enjoyable steam railway back to Swanage (see above link for timetable). There is also the No. 40 bus that runs via Kingston and Langton Matravers terminating at the railway station in Swanage. Once back in Swanage (see marked red route) turn left out of the station and head along Rempstone Rd to the traffic lights, then turn right and then left along the seafront. Burlington Rd and access to The White House is the second road on the right.
The White House - Swanage 