5-Night Dorset Coast Christmas & New Year Guided
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
5-Night Dorset Coast Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Guided Walking Destinations: Dorset Coast & England Trip code: LHXFW-5 2 & 3 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW The Dorset Coast is beautiful all year round but there are some even more spectacular sights around winter. Spend the festive season on the Dorset Coast, socialising and walking in this beautiful place. There’s something magical about walking in winter. Whether it’s the frosty footsteps, the clear crisp air, or the breathtaking views, it’s a wonderful time to go walking. Join our festive breaks and choose from a guided walking holiday in the company of one of our knowledgeable leaders. We pull out all the stops on our festive holidays, with fabulous food, lots of seasonal entertainment and great walks and activities. The walks are tailored to the time of year and will remain flexible to suit the weather conditions. Each day three grades of walk will be offered. So wrap up warm, lace up your boots and go for an invigorating walk. WHAT'S INCLUDED • Wonderful meals – full selection at breakfast, your choice of picnic lunch, an excellent evening meal and plenty of festive treats • A programme of organised walks and activities www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 • The services of experienced HF Holidays’ guides • A packed programme of evening activities offering something festive for everyone, including some old HF favourites • Any transport to and from the walks HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy Christmas or New Year at our new Country House at Lulworth Cove • Plenty of exercise to walk off the festive excesses • A choice of guided walks along the spectacular Dorset Coast • Just relax, soak up the party atmosphere, enjoy wonderful festive fare and leave all the organising to us • Evening activities include dancing, quizzes and carol evenings TRIP SUITABILITY The walks are tailored to the time of year and will remain flexible to suit the weather conditions. Each day three grades of walk will be offered. Typically, easier walks are up to a maximum of 7 miles (11km), medium walks are up to a maximum of 9½ miles (15½km), while harder walks can be up to a maximum of 12 miles (19km). ITINERARY Christmas Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: South Purbeck Coast Option 1 - The Priests' Way Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Ascent: 650 feet (200m) In Summary: Beginning in Langton Matravers we follow the medieval Priests' Way to Durlston Country Park, a cliff top nature reserve. We also follow part of the South West Coast Path to Swanage. Why not warm up with coffee and cake at Durlston? Highlight: Industrial heritage of stone quarrying and The Great Globe in Durlston Country Park. Option 2 - Dancing Ledge Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km) Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m) In Summary: We walk from the picturesque village of Worth Matravers down to the coast and along the famous South West Coast Path to Dancing Ledge. We then go on to follow the Priests' Way to Durlston Country www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Park and on to Swanage. Highlight: The delightful village of Worth Matravers and the old quarry at Dancing Ledge. Option 3 - Purbeck Coast Distance: 10½ miles (17.5km) Ascent: 1,400 feet (440m) In Summary: Walking out towards the coast above Chapman's Pool from the village of Kingston we take in the highlights of the South Purbeck Peninsula including Dancing Ledge, the Priests' Way and Durlson Country Park. We will be ready for a warm coffee or a pint once we reach Swanage. Highlight: The “Cathedral of the Purbecks” at Kingston and the spectacular views over the Encombe estate. Day 3: Durdle Door Option 1 - West Down, Scratchy Bottom And Durdle Door Distance: 5 miles (8 km) Ascent: 900 feet (280m) In Summary: This walk leads us up 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 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 - Above West Lulworth And St Catherine's Church Distance: 9 miles (15km) Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m) In Summary: A circular walk that leads us past Daggers Gate and then further west before we join the undulating South West Coast Path on our way back towards Durdle Door and West Lulworth. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Highlight: Spectacular coastal traverse with far reaching views out over the English Channel. Day 4: Lulworth Range Walks Option 1 - Daggers Gate & The Top Of Lulworth Cove Distance: 5.25 miles (8.5km) Ascent: 850 feet (260m) In Summary: A circular walk that leads us past Daggers Gate, with its legendary tale. From here we head East along an inland ridge and hopefully are gifted with expansive views. We then ascend Bindon Hill for a Bird’s Eye View of Lulworth Cove, then back into West Lulworth. Highlight: We hope to have stunning views above Lulworth. To the west the Isle of Portland and east to Worbarrow Tout and St Aldhelm’s Head. Option 2 - Above Kimmeridge To Lulworth Distance: 8 miles (13km) Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) In Summary: Descend from the chalk downs to the remains of the village of Tyneham. Our walk to Lulworth Cove has two steep ascents as we cross the high cliffs of the military ranges. Highlight: The atmospheric, deserted village of Tyneham, requisitioned in 1943 to make way for the military training range. Option 3 - To Lulworth Overt The Ranges Distance: 8½ miles (14km) Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m) In Summary: Follow the coastal path from Kimmeridge to Tyneham, then on over the dramatic cliffs of the military ranges back to Lulworth Cove. Highlight: The coastline to the east of Lulworth Cove is particularly impressive. Expect some steep ascents and descents as you follow the undulating coastal path over the chalk cliffs. Day 5: Corfe Castle And Swyre Head Option 1 - Swyre Head Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) Ascent: 650ft (200m) In Summary: Walk from Kingston villlage to the viewpoint of Swyre Head. We then head inland through the village of Church Knowle and along the chalk ridge to Corfe Castle. Highlight: Explore the village of Corfe Castle and its iconic ruined 11th Century namesake. Seek out the quaint pubs and sweet shop, or visit the restored railway. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 2 - Langton Matravers To Corfe Castle Distance: 8 miles (13km) Ascent: 720 feet (220m) In Summary: : This walk begins in Langton Matravers and uses part of the historic Priests Way. There might be a chance to see a Dinosaur Trackway too! Highlight: Stunning coastal views along the way with the opportunity to explore Corfe Castle at the end of the walk. Option 3 - Kingston To Corfe Castle Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,020 feet (320m) In summary: We will also start from Kingston, but we first head out towards Kimmeridge to take in Swyre Head and on to Steeple to take advantage of the views along Ridgeway Hill before descending to Corfe Castle. Highlight: The impressive Ridgeway Hill from Steeple to Corfe castle. Day 6: Departure Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. New Year Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: South Purbeck Coast Option 1 - The Priests' Way Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Ascent: 650 feet (200m) In Summary: Beginning in Langton Matravers we follow the medieval Priests' Way to Durlston Country Park, a cliff top nature reserve. We also follow part of the South West Coast Path to Swanage. Why not warm up with coffee and cake at Durlston? Highlight: Industrial heritage of stone quarrying and The Great Globe in Durlston Country Park. Option 2 - Dancing Ledge Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m) In Summary: We walk from the picturesque village of Worth Matravers down to the coast and along the famous South West Coast Path to Dancing Ledge. We then go on to follow the Priests' Way to Durlston Country Park and on to Swanage. Highlight: The delightful village of Worth Matravers and the old quarry at Dancing Ledge. Option 3 - Purbeck Coast Distance: 10½ miles (17.5km) Ascent: 1,400 feet (440m) In Summary: Walking out towards the coast above Chapman's Pool from the village of Kingston we take in the highlights of the South Purbeck Peninsula including Dancing Ledge, the Priests' Way and Durlson Country Park.