Current as of: May 10, 2019 - 10:02 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2030

Jewels of the Self-Guided Walk Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Self-Guided 6 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: United Kingdom Min age: 8 Leisurely / Moderate  Programmes: Walking & Trekking W05JC

Trip Overview

Beautifully varied and wonderfully unspoilt, 's award-winning Jurassic Coast offers 95 miles of idyllic sandy beaches backed by ancient craggy cliffs and meadows carpeted with seasonal wildflowers. In 2001, it gained UNESCO recognition as 's first Natural World Heritage Site charting 185 million years of the earth's history, with rocks and fossils dating to Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous times.

At a Glance

 5 nights in 3 to 4-star accommodation  3 days point to point walking (1 optional walk on day 4)  UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast - England's first Natural World Heritage Site  Traditional seaside towns, spectacular bays and beaches, delightful English villages, world-renowned tea-rooms!

Trip Highlights

 Sweeping sea-cliffs, panoramic chalk downs, rich rolling hills, ancient woodlands, meadows and hedgerows  Incredible variety of wildflowers, birds and butterflies  Unique history: battle-worn castles, Iron Age forts, WWII bunkers and fossils spanning 185 million years Is This Trip for You? This 5-night walk is the perfect introduction to Dorset's wild and beautiful landscape, where the quietly rolling stand in stark contrast to the huge falcon patrolled chalk cliffs, and where every climb is rewarded with fantastic sweeping sea views. In the main, your route follows the coast-hugging long-distance , pitching and swooping from one hollow to the next before a gentle descent into by way of the panoramic Burning Cliff and the world-famous rock-arch, . The 280-acre is a haven for wildlife (including rare red squirrels) and, with over 250 species of birds, is an ornithologist's paradise. On your final stretch, if you're lucky, you may spot bottlenose dolphins and playful seals emerging from the waves beyond where the procession of sculpted cliffs and towering chalk stacks known as , marks the end of the Jurassic Coast.

This is a self-guided tour, as such there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own pace. We have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. Group As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. This tour is hotel to hotel and is managed by our local agent who will be on hand to assist you and highlight particular places of interest. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Adult min age: 8 Min group size: 1 Max group size: 6

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Weymouth End City: Sandbanks

Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Weymouth We meet you at Weymouth train station and take you (5 mins) to your contemporary B&B right on the town's splendid Georgian Esplanade. Your accommodation overlooks the beach made famous by Mad King George III in 1789 when he took his first Royal dip using a newfangled beach machine and turned sea bathing into a national pastime! Stroll the amazing sands, visit the bustling 17th century harbour or take a taxi (5 mins) to the 16th century Sandsfoot Castle - one of Henry VIII's . Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 Weymouth to Lulworth/Corfe Take a short (11 mins) bus transfer to join one of the most scenic sections of the magnificent 630-mile long South West Coast Path. With the dramatic white chalk cliffs as your backdrop, you follow the classic smugglers' route down to picturesque Osmington where the aptly named 13th century Smugglers' Inn does great coffee! A short climb to the top of Burning Cliff is rewarded with the most fabulous views of the fossil-filled Jurassic Coast before continuing on to Durdle Door - one of the most photographed rock arches in the world. Today's final stretch hugs the coast down into gorgeous - a great place for lunch, a swim or a journey back through 185 million years of history at the renowned Heritage Centre. A pre-arranged taxi will collect you for the 20-minute journey to Corfe, described as one of the most beautiful villages in England, where you stay overnight.

Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 15 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 5

Day 3 Corfe to Swanage Built by William the Conqueror and destroyed by Cromwell's vengeful troops during the Civil War, the dramatic ruins of - now a National Trust property and the setting for several historical feature films - stand at the gateway to the and its surrounding hills. We've deliberately kept today's walk short to enable you to explore at leisure before setting out on the panoramic ridge high above the village. It's a journey of diverse natural beauty - with Harbour and Bournemouth to your left, the rolling Purbeck Hills to your right and the clearly visible in the distance - as you follow the pretty Purbeck Way into Swanage, a small Victorian seaside town with a stunning semi-circular bay. You spend two nights at lovely Purbeck House, close to the town centre and just a few minutes' walk from the beach.

Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles Activity (hours): 3 Day 4 Free day in Swanage (optional walk) We strongly recommend a circular walk today to Durlston Country Park, a magnificent 280-acre nature reserve of sea-cliffs, downs, meadows, hedgerows and woods. With 250+ bird species, 500+ moths and 33 species of breeding butterfly, few places in the country have the same ornithological appeal as Durlston and, from March to July, hidden deep in the cliffs are sea birds, swifts and swallows. The recently restored Victorian castle boasts a fully interactive Visitor Centre, restaurant and panoramic roof terrace.

Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 8 km / 5 miles Activity (hours): 2.5

Day 5 Swanage to Sandbanks Today's magnificent coastal path hugs Swanage Bay as you climb gently out of the town and up to the famous white chalk sea stacks, Old Harry Rocks. As you continue towards the tiny Purbeck village of Studland, you'll pass 'Dragon's Teeth' tank traps and Fort Henry - a concrete observation bunker built in 1943 and used by Churchill, Eisenhower and King George VI to watch the rehearsals for D-Day. From the gorgeous white sands of Studland, it's just a short hop (5 mins) on the chain ferry across to the luxury four-star Haven Hotel & Spa on exclusive Sandbanks peninsula. There's an optional bus ride for those wanting to visit neighbouring Poole - a beautiful coastal town whose natural harbour is the second largest in the world.

Premium Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles Activity (hours): 4

Day 6 Leave Sandbanks After breakfast, your hotelier will arrange a taxi (pay locally) to Poole station at a time to connect with your onward travel arrangements. This costs around £15 and takes 15-30 minutes dependent on the traffic.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation Hotels and B&Bs

All accommodation is 3 to 4 star. The places you'll be staying in are among the best in the region, including a beachfront B&B in Weymouth and a lovely 19th century mansion in the centre of historic Swanage.

All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy. Single supplement from $341.00 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

Full English breakfasts are included; with so many dining options on your doorstep, we've left other meals up to you.

Dorset has a long history of farming and fishing and the choice and freshness of the local seafood is spectacular. Other local produce comes from the lush pastures and fertile agricultural land and there are more and more local farm shops and farmers markets offering foodie delights from fruit and vegetables straight from the garden to freshly baked pies, bread, organic meats and plenty of other treats such as Dorset Knob biscuits, Portland Dough Cakes and tongue-tingling Dorset Naga chillies!

Dorset is also home to some of the UK best independent breweries and a handful of vineyards that produce some excellent beer, cider and wines (still and sparkling).

Transportation

Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service. The Sandbanks chain ferry on day 5 for walkers is free of charge and no ticket is required.

Weather & Seasonality

When to go

From May through to October temperatures are pleasant and some rainfall is to be expected. The warmest months are July and August with an average temperature being 17 degrees. The best time for sea swimming is in September when the sea is at its warmest (average sea temperature 17 degrees).

Weather Information

From May through to October temperatures are pleasant and some rainfall is to be expected. The warmest months are July and August with an average temperature being 17 degrees. The best time for sea swimming is in September when the sea is at its warmest (average sea temperature 17 degrees).

Weather Charts Joining Instructions

If you have pre-booked a transfer (not included, inquire for details and prices) you will be met at Weymouth train station and transferred (2 mins) to your bed and breakfast close to Weymouth's historic seafront. Please contact us or your local agent to advise of arrival time.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Weymouth Location end: Sandbanks

What to Take Essential Equipment Walking boots Water bottle Daypack Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses Warm jumper Waterproof jacket

Optional Equipment Walking poles Swimwear Practical Information

Visa United Kingdom

US & Canadian passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination United Kingdom

No vaccinations are obligatory.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the US we recommend Travelex travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time United Kingdom's Timezone: Europe/London BST (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

United Kingdom's Electricity: 220-240V. 50Hz. You will need a 3 pinned type G plug.

Money ATM Availability

ATMs are available, but we recommend taking some GBP cash with you in case you can't get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money You will need money for lunches, snacks, drinks, dinners and entry to any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy them from local shops and make up a picnic, however if you stop at a pub you can easily spend £15 each. Dinner can also vary in price between £15 in a pub to £30+ in a restaurant.

Corfe Castle is a National Trust property, members of the National Trust will get free entry so don't forget your members card if you have one.

We would recommend budgeting £20-50 a day for lunches and dinners and allow an additional £10 a day for any extras. Spa facilities are available at the Haven hotel (payable locally).

Allow £15 for a taxi to from Weymouth station to the start of the tour and allow approx £15 for a taxi from Poole station at the end of your holiday.

For customers traveling by car, car parking is available in Weymouth for around £38.

Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. Important Information

On all guided trips Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety

Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771

Email: [email protected]

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