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North Hampshire Downs Group

We are the North Hampshire Downs Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

The walk starts at Corfe Castle village and follows Hardy Way south through fields and Corfe Common to the hamlet of Kingston. There are long views back to the castle. Continuing south the walk reaches the sea at Chapman's Pool with views of the valley and cliffs along to Portland. From Chapman's Pool it ascends inland to Worth Matravers before heading SE  to join the SW coast path at Seacombe Cliffs. Then heading east it passes Dancing Ledge, Anvil Point with it's lighthouse, and Durlston Head with a small castle, a teashop and drinking water taps. Finally, the last 1.7mls takes the walk into Swanage with teashops, fish & chips shop and the like.

Saturday, 24 August 2024
Meeting time:
8:05 am
Start time:
10:35 am
Estimated finish time:
4:30 pm
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Distance:
20km / 12.4mi
Ascent:
610m / 2001ft
Type:
linear

For walkers using public transport from Basingstoke, the plan is to meet at 0805h at Basingstoke Railway station and catch the 0821h train to Wareham arriving 0957h. Then catch the 1014h Breezer 40 bus to Corfe Castle arriving 1035h. 

Alternatively, meet at Wareham railway station or Corfe Castle at times above.

After completing the walk the plan for those who have used public transport is to catch the Breezer 50 bus to Bournemouth station which goes via the Sandbanks ferry and then train to Basingstoke.

Alternatively, walkers can catch the Breezer 40 bus back to either Corfe Castle or Wareham.

This is a moderate to strenuous walk with the ascent after Chapman's Pool of 120m. It is possible to reduce this ascent by not fully descending to Chapman's Pool.

Minimum walkers 6, maximum 12. Please advise the walk leader early of intention to participate. A decision will be made on Tuesday 20th if min numbers are met to allow the walk to go ahead.

Suitable weather required.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Accessible by public transport
  • Car parking available
  • No car needed

Meeting point

Grid reference:
SU 63738 52525
Nearest postcode:
RG21 5NE
what3words:
mining.native.quit
Meeting time:
8:05 am

Rail station entrance.

Starting point

Grid reference:
SY 96154 81976
Nearest postcode:
BH20 5HD
what3words:
jazz.cello.manuals
Start time:
10:35 am

East Street bus stop, Corfe Castle village.

Finishing point

Grid reference:
SZ 02912 78905
Nearest postcode:
BH19 1HB
what3words:
educates.gazes.shields
Estimated finish time:
4:30 pm

Swanage rail/bus station

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking