South Purbeck cliffs walk
Enjoy sea views, former quarries and grassland rich in wildlife on this bracing six-mile circular walk, which takes in Spyway Barn, Dancing Ledge, East Man and Worth Matravers.
Near to
SpywayStart point
Spyway car park, grid ref SY998783Trail information
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Spyway car park, grid ref SY998783
Stage 1
From the car park, follow the path south away from the village. Pass Spyway Barn where you will find informative displays on the local area. Pass through a gateway, and then a kissing gate next to a stone plaque showing a cow, sculpted by Sarah Moore. Turn right, keeping the wall to your right. Pass through a gateway, then at a kissing gate turn left down the track.
Stage 2
At the end of the track, follow the grassy path down to the bottom of the hill. Turn right to follow the South West Coast Path. Pause to admire the views of Dancing Ledge to the east and Portland to the west. Keeping the sea on your left, follow the coast path, passing through three gates. Follow the path that heads inland to go around Seacombe Ledge.
Waves crashing against Dancing Ledge | © National Trust Images / Joe Cornish Stage 3
Turn left through a gate and up the steps, signposted ‘Winspit’. At the top of the hill pass through a gate, turn left and follow the coast path, passing through two gates. Go through the next kissing gate, and down some steep steps.
Stage 4
At the T-junction, turn right and walk inland, following signs for Worth Matravers. At the water treatment plant, turn right up the path. Pass through a gate, and follow the path uphill to the village. Pass through another gate and head into the village.
Stage 5
Turn right past the duck pond then take the right-hand fork in the road with the Square and Compass pub on your left and follow the road out of the village. Take the second footpath on your right, opposite a barn and signposted to Swanage. Follow the footpath across the field, pass through two gates across a track, and continue across the next field. Pass through another gate and cross the next field, looking out for a finger sign on the far wall. Pass through another gate and follow the Priest's Way, signposted for Langton Matravers. Follow the track straight ahead, passing several paths and tracks, and going through a gate. After passing through another gate, you will reach the crossroads at Spyway. Turn left to return to the car park.
Dry stone wall in South Purbeck | © National Trust Images/Will Wilkinson End point
Spyway car park, grid ref SY998783
Trail map
South Purbeck cliffs walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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