Description:
This circular walk follows well-used paths around the Purbeck Hills. There are stunning views throughout the route and also the opportunity to visit the historic Corfe Castle. Along the way the route passes three OS Trig Pillars.
Walk Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
11.3 miles / 18km
Time:
4 – 4.5 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from a car par park in a disused quarry above Kimmeridge (Grid Ref: SY918800).
Walk Route:
Leaving the car park turn right along the road and after 30 metres turn right at a road junction and then after 80 metres turn right again to join a footpath heading up a track. (Grid Ref: SY919800). Now follow this path along the edge of the escarpment for 2.2km to reach an OS trig pillar (Grid Ref: SY933785). From the trig point continue a further 80 metres along the path to Swyre Head view point with stunning views of the Jurassic coastline.
So far the route has been along the Hardy Way, keep following the way-markers for the Hardy Way in a northeasterly direction towards Kingston. The route passes Polar Wood and a memorial stone bench erected in memory of those who lost their lives in two air crashes nearby. Follow way markers across two fields to reach a minor road (Grid Ref: SY943792).
Turn right and head towards Kingston, after 1.3km as the road enters the village turn left on a footpath (Grid Ref: SY954795). (To visit the Scott Arms continue along the road into the village and return to this point to resume the walk). Follow this path through trees and across a field for 850 metres to Blashenwell Farm (Grid Ref: SY951802).
Walk through the farmyard and follow the farm drive to Corfe Common (Grid Ref: SY954807). Stay on the tarmac track to cross the common. On reaching a gate by a cattle grid (grid Ref: SY958813) go through and walk into Corfe along West Street to reach the Square.
Now head towards the entrance of Corfe Castle, after a few metres turn left to pass Corfe Castle Tea Rooms and continue along a path beneath the ramparts of the Castle. At a minor road (Grid Ref: SY957822) cross and turn left on a footpath running below West Hill. After 800 metres the path divides (Grid Ref: SY949821) go right heading uphill. On reaching the top of the hill there is the option of making a slight diversion to walk 80 metres north easterly to reach the OS Trig pillar (Grid Ref: SY948823).
The route now heads west along the top of Knowle Hill for 1.8km, (ignore paths leading off to the left and right), to reach a minor road (Grid Ref SY930820). Go through a gate and join a track heading across Ridgeway Hill. At a crossing of paths (Grid Ref: SY922818) turn right and follow a path leading down to a road, cross and then head uphill on a well-worn path through the bracken to reach the summit of Creech Barrow Hill with fine views and an OS trig pillar (Grid Ref: SY921824). From here retrace the route to the junction of paths on Ridgeway Hill and turn right to continue along the hill heading west.
Pass the Grange Arch folly (Grid Ref: SY912817) and on nearing a minor road take a footpath on the left (Grid Ref: SY905817). Head steadily downhill to join a minor road. Turn left follow the road to the entrance to Steeple Leaze Farm camping site (Grid Ref: SY907811). Take the footpath along the farm drive. After passing farm buildings cross a stream and when the path forks keep to the left (Grid Ref: SY909805).
Go uphill on a narrow path that then crosses a field. At a junction of paths (Grid Ref: SY909801) turn left to follow the path along the edge of an arable field, this path runs along the ridge above Kimmeridge benefitting from great views over the bay. On reaching a minor road turn right to return the short distance to the starting point.
Toilets:
There are public toilets in Corfe Castle.
Toilets are available in the pubs on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Corfe: A wide selection of pubs, cafe’s and shops.
Kingston: The Scott Arms
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL15 – Purbeck & South Dorset
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.