East Man Walk
Invigorating walk among the cliffs and limestone grassland of the south Purbeck coast. Starts and finishes near one of the best loved pubs in Dorset.
Map
Start:
Worth Matravers Parish Council Car park SY974777
1
From car park head downhill along the road, left past the Square and Compass pub and then right down the track opposite to the gate and stile on the left. Enter field and bear right.
2
Follow fence line to the corner, looking left to the strip lynchets, before heading diagonally down to the valley floor and continuing through the gateway. Follow the hedge line across the limestone grassland.
Strip lynchets
Strip lynchets appear as parallel lines or terraces on hillsides and were formed by ancient farming techniques. Some people believe they were deliberately created to prevent erosion while others think they came about accidentally as a result of ploughing over a long period.
3
As you approach a metal gate you will notice a wet area directly in front of you. This is the site of a natural spring. This area is best avoided by turning left, walking slightly up the slope around the trough and back down the other side to the metal gate.
4
Pass through the metal gate and continue along the fence line looking across towards Winspit Quarry on the right. You may choose to extend your walk by heading down to this area before returning.
5
On reaching the cliff fence, bear left and walk along the cliff, enjoying this invigorating view before turning left mid way along and heading to the summit of East Man hill.
6
At the top, walk along the summit ridge either overlooking the coast or the grassland towards Seacombe before turning left towards a field gate.
7
Pass through the gate and continue along the wall constructed from locally quarried Purbeck stone, looking towards The Square and Compass pub.
8
At the end of the track in front of the houses turn left along the fence line and back to the original gate and stile you entered through in front of the Square and Compass.
The Square and Compass
The Square and Compass began life as an alehouse in the eighteenth century and has been run by the same family for more than 100 years. A favourite haunt of walkers and locals alike, it makes few concessions to the modern world and retains an old-fashioned serving hatch in place of a bar. Unusually for a pub, the Square and Compass has its own fossil museum featuring finds from the Jurassic Coast. There are regular live music sessions and food in the form of hot pies, pasties and snacks. The landlord makes his own cider on the premises.
End:
Worth Matravers Parish Council Car park SY974777