4-Night Dorset Coast Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
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4-Night Dorset Coast Gentle Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Gentle Walks Destinations: Dorset Coast & England Trip code: LHBEW-4 1 & 2 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the Dorset Coast. The choice of three guided walks includes a gentle easy walk of 3 or 4 miles. Explore the very best of the Dorset on our gentle guided walks. The coast is never far away, with the remarkable coastal path providing access to iconic limestone cliffs, rugged headlands and hidden bays. Soak up the sea air and delight in the sweeping panoramas over the rolling Dorset hills. Join our friendly and knowledgeable guides who will bring this beautiful landscape to life. WHAT'S INCLUDED What Included: • High quality en-suite accommodation in our Country House • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 3 days guided walking www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy the remarkable coastal path and views of the iconic limestone cliffs, rugged headlands and hidden bays • Soak up the sea air and delight in the sweeping panoramas over the rolling Dorset hills • Let our knowledgeable leaders bring the surroundings to life • Spend the evenings enjoying the spectacular views from the terrace and outdoor swimming pool ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Purbeck Ridge And Studland Option 1 - Studland And Old Harry Rocks Distance: 4 miles (6km) Ascent: 500 feet (160m) In Summary: On this circular walk from Studland we ascend steadily to the summit of Ballard Down from where we will have views over Swanage Bay before we turn towards Old Harry with views over Poole Harbour and (on a clear day) across to the Isle of Wight. From Old Harry we return to Studland with opportunities there to explore or take refreshment. Don't miss: Stunning panoramic views of Poole Harbour and the opportunity to explore Studland. Option 2 - Corfe Castle To Studland Distance: 7 miles (11km) Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) In Summary: Enjoy a stunning variety of inland and coastal scenery. Our walk from Corfe Castle to Studland follows the glorious chalk ridge along the spine of Purbeck peninsula, with the views getting ever more impressive as we near our destination. Don’t miss: Walking atop the Downs is a real delight with panoramic views north over Poole Harbour, and south to the English Channel. Option 3 - Chalk Downs & Heath Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,300 feet (380m) In Summary: Follow the chalk ridge from Corfe Castle heading towards the coast. Towards the end of the walk we cross the beautiful Godlingstone Heath, past the curious Agglestonne Rock, with the final stretch along the beach to Studland. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Don’t miss: Godlingstone Heath is a fascinating scenic contrast, and an excellent place to spot rare butterflies and lizards basking in the sand. Day 3: Kingston To Corfe Castle Option 1 - Kingston To Corfe Castle Distance: 3 miles (5 km) Ascent: 200 feet (55m) In Summary: After visiting “the cathedral of the Purbecks” we take a gently undulating route from Kingston, across Corfe Common to Corfe Castle where we should have time to explore the Castle (National Trust), the railway station or any of the other attractions before walking to the Castle Visitor Centre to board our bus. Don't miss: Time at the end of the walk to explore Corfe Castle. , Option 2 - Worth Matravers To Corfe Castle Via Kingston Distance: 6 miles (10km) Ascent: 600 feet (180m) In Summary: This walk begins in Worth Matravers with it's picturesque duck pond, the opportunity to learn about Benjamin Jesty and to visit his grave. We then head west to the coast above the beautiful Chapmans Pool before turning inland to Kingston, from where we will have our first views of Corfe Castle. From here we walk across Corfe Common and into Corfe’ village. Don't miss: Worth Matravers, a quintessential Purbeck village and spectacular views of Chapman's Pool and Corfe Castle. Option 3 - Langton Matravers Via The Priests Way To Corfe Castle Distance: 9 miles (15km) Ascent: 920 feet (280m) In Summary: : This walk begins in Langton Matravers and uses part of the historic Priests Way. We turn south for superb coastal views joining a permissive path which leads us to an inland balcony route heading to Worth Matravers. Highlight: Stunning coastal views along the way with the opportunity to explore Corfe Castle at the end of the walk. Day 4: Durdle Door Circular Option 1 - Durdle Door And Lulworth Cove Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Ascent: 680 feet (210m) In Summary: We walk from the House, taking the quieter path West behind Hambury Tout before gently descending the hidden valley (and film location) that is Scratchy Bottom. Reaching the coast just beyond Durdle Door enables us to get the best views before we encounter day visitors to this iconic landform. We then follow the South West Coast Path back to Lulworth Cove. Highlight: Admire the stunning views of Durdle door before returning, to explore Lulworth Cove Option 2 - Above Lulworth And Durdle Door Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m) In Summary: This walk leads us into the village of West Lulworth and gradually up into the hills. From here we head west towards Scratchy Bottom. We then join the South West Coast path and make our way back to Lulworth via Durdle Door. Highlight: Aside from the potential for glorious views along the Coast Path. Scratchy bottom, although noted for its rather unusual name is a lovely chalk valley surrounded by farmland. Option 3 - Dorset Coast Path Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m) In Summary: After a fairly level walk West, on the inland track, to reach Burning Cliff and St Catherine’s church, we have a fabulous walk along a section of the Dorset Coast Path as we return. Highlight: The tiny church with its view over Weymouth Bay. Day 5: Departure Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. ACCOMMODATION West Lulworth House Set just 200 yards from the sea, West Lulworth House has a highly coveted location just above the lake-still expanse of Lulworth Cove on Dorset’s iconic Jurassic Coast. Built in 1881 by the then Mayor of Weymouth, it has been perennially popular with walkers, twitchers and fossil hunters. As well as 22 delightful bedrooms, there’s a south facing garden and elevated terrace with cracking views, an outdoor heated pool and a pair of lovely lounges, perfect for a relaxing walking holiday exploring the Jurassic Coast. Step out the front door and on to the coast path. To the west lies Middle Beach and the picture perfect Durdle Door, with its massive rock arch and gently sloping beach. East lie the beaches of Mupe Bay and Arish Mell. But you’re here for the walking and what adventure you’ll have on the coast path or exploring the interior. Then there’s Lulworth Castle and the famous ruins of Corfe Castle standing guard over the Purbeck Hills to explore. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Matchless Country House Accommodation Accommodation Info Need To Know Important Covid-19 Steps We Have Taken For Guest Safety: Please Read Following the relaxation in government guidance on 19 July, we are continuing to take extra steps to keep our guests leaders, and staff safe in our HF country houses. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place. The English, Scottish and Welsh governments are not in sync, so measures in our country houses will vary between the nations. With the relaxation of social distancing in England, from 19 July we will be allowing larger groups to dine and relax in the bar together. However, we will still give guests space e.g. we will seat 6 people at a table where pre-pandemic we may have seated 8. We will ensure our public rooms are well ventilated by opening doors and windows wherever possible. If you have any concerns about distancing, please speak to the House Manager. The government recommendation for England is to wear face coverings in crowded areas. You must wear a face covering by law in public areas in hotels in Scotland. This is mandatory in public spaces; however, face coverings will not be required whilst eating and drinking in the restaurant and bar areas or whilst you are outside our houses. In Wales face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises. As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails. Menus for the week will be available in your room on arrival. A self-service breakfast will be served from 7.45am – 9am. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room.