Description:
This 7.4 mile (11.9km) circular walk from Corfe Castle follows the Purbeck way along the ridge to the east of the village before returning along footpaths at the base of the hill. There are fine views throughout this walk.
Walk Grade: Easy/moderate
Distance: 7.4 miles / 11.9 km
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from the National Trust car park at Corfe Castle (BH20 5DR) (Grid Ref: SY959824). Parking charges apply to non-members.
Walk Route:
Leave the car park and cross the road with care. Turn left to walk on the pavement besides the A351 for 350 metres. Turn left and follow Sandy Hill Lane for 250 metres. On reaching a footpath on the left (Grid Ref: SY964821) leave the road. After 225 metres fork left to follow the way markers for the Purbeck Way.
The route now steadily ascends the hill and goes along the ridge for 4.4km to reach Godlingston Hill. Stay with the Purbeck way as it starts to descend. After 300 metres leave the Purbeck Way and join a path on the right (Grid Ref: SZ010808). Continue on this path as it descends to reach a junction of paths (Grid Ref: SZ007808).
Turn right and follow this path heading west along the foot of the escarpment. Ignore all footpaths to the left and right. After 4.6km the path meets with the Purbeck Way, now retrace the route to reach Sandy Hill Lane. Turn right and walk back into Corfe Castle.
On reaching the A351 cross the road with care and turn left to walk up into The Square. Turn right into The Square and then take the exit leading to the entrance to Corfe Castle. Turn left on a lane besides the National Trust Tea Rooms. Follow the path as it leads around the castle ramparts to reach a road. Cross and follow the way marked footpath leading back to the starting point at the National Trust car park.
Toilets:
There are public toilets in the National Trust car park and in Corfe Castle.
Toilets are also available in the pubs and cafes on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Corfe Castle: There are numerous pubs, cafes and shops in Corfe Castle.
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map OL15 – Purbeck and 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. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.