7-Night Dorset Coast Gentle Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Gentle Walks Destinations: Dorset Coast & England Trip code: LHBEW-7 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, hidden bays and the famous arch at Durdle Door. 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 Whats Included: • High quality en-suite accommodation in our Country House • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 5 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: South Purbeck Coastal Views Option 1 - Herston Quarries To Swanage Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) Ascent: 560 feet (170 m) In Summary: Starting from upper Herston we walk through the historic quarrying area on the outskirts of Swanage to visit Durlston Country Park which was originally created from the wealth deriving from the quarries. We walk on into Swanage with time to explore or take refreshment before regrouping for a further short walk to our coach. Highlight: Durlston Castle (now the Jurassic Coast Visitor Centre) and the traditional Victorian seaside resort of Swanage with its beach, pier and steam railway. Option 2 - Dancing Ledge Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Ascent: 800 feet (240m) In Summary: Walk from the village of Langton Matravers to the coast at Dancing Ledge, a popular spot for rock climbers. From here we head east along the South West Coast Path to the Swanage. Highlight: There's time to explore the traditional seaside resort of Swanage with its beach, pier and steam railway. Option 3 - St Aldhelm's Head Distance: 9½ miles (15km) Ascent: 1,200 feet (400m) In Summary: Walk from the picturesque village of Worth Matravers to the coast at St. Aldhelm’s Head. From www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 here the route follows the South West Coast Path, passing old quarries and Dancing Ledge to reach Swanage. Highlight: With fine coastal walking throughout, there's much to enjoy on this stretch of the Jurassic Coast. Day 3: Around Lulworth Option 1 - West Lulworth And The Bird’s Eye View Distance: 2.8 miles (4.4km) Ascent: 450 ft (135m) In Summary: Walking from the house we explore West Lulworth village before a steady ascent of Bindon Hill to view Lulworth Cove from above, so that we can appreciate its scalloped shape and the wave action in the Cove. Highlight: The “bird's eye view”. Option 2 - 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 3 - Winfrith And Chaldon Herring Distance: 9miles (15km) Ascent: 1100ft (330m) In Summary: Walking from the house we walk to Daggers Gate and continue North West across peaceful countryside to the quiet village of East Chaldon (sometimes called Chaldon Herring) then to the hamlet of West Chaldon. From there we turn South ascending steadily to the inland track that runs parallel to the coast but offers superb views out to sea. Highlight: Stunning views from Portland to St Aldhelms Head. Day 4: Free Day Day 5: 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 www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 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. 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 6: 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: www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 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 7: Durdle Door Circular Option 1 - Durdle Door And Lulworth Cove Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km) 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) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 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 8: Departure Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.