We are the North Hampshire Downs Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Starting at the NT Visitors/Welcome Centre CP below the castle, a short walk (0.4mls) takes the walk to the Purbeck Way (where there is a small free CP). Then there is a gradual climb from 30 to 200m elevation over @3.7mls as we walk up and along the Purbeck ridge including Nine Barrow Down and Godlingston Hill before descending. After a road section (0.2mls) there is a short climb which takes the walk to the Isle of Purbeck Golf course and Godlingston Heath. A gradual descend over the heath follows before we reach Studland and south beach (2.3mls). After a rest we will walk out to Old Harry Rock and then up and along the cliffs (elevation @110m) and into Swanage (4.4mls). The walk into Swanage will involve crossing four groynes and a walk along the narrow promenade.
Bus services (Breezer 30/35/40 services) run frequently and can returns walkers to Corfe (& Wareham).
Please WhatsApp or text the walk leader to confirm a place and where you will be meeting the group. Numbers - min 6 max 16.
Walkers can expect great views of the ruined castle from below and great views of Poole Harbour, Godlingston Heath, Studland & Swanage Bays (subject to visibility). We will pass Studland church. Walking will be mainly through open landscapes. There will be little shade. The surface underfoot will basically and largely be well used stoney gravelly tracks so walking boots or strong walking shoes required.
Walk graded as moderate but is 11mls.
Bring a picnic & refreshments. The plan is for two longer breaks and shorter refreshment breaks as necessary. The second will be at Studland beach where there is a small cafe which could be used to supplement a picnic. There is a pub behind the beach. Expect to reach @1400-1430. Can also purchase refreshments etc. in Swanage.
Public WCs at Corfe, Studland & Swanage.
For those walkers intending to use SW trains from Basingstoke the suggestion is to meet in the station entrance at 0805h and to catch the 0821 train to Wareham arriving 0954, then bus at 1012 to arrive Corfe 1036.
Return could be 1705 bus to Wareham station and 1753 train arriving Basingstoke 1911. Alternatively, the open top bus to Bournemouth train station and then train to Basingstoke. (Buses & train operate approximately ever half hour).
If driving suggest use either the NT visitors / welcome centre CP at Corfe where the walk starts or the small free walkers CP at the start of the Purbeck Way off Sandy Hill Lane which we will past @1050.
This location is only for walkers travelling by SW trains from Basingstoke.
The NT Visitors /Welcome Centre CP which is on the left just before entering Corfe village under the castle.
Swanage bus terminal by heritage rail station.
