Corfe to Swanage - Walking Guide
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CORFE CASTLE TO SWANAGE
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Walking guide: From Corfe Castle to the Stunning Coastline
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Purbeck Ridgeway, starting at the historic Corfe Castle and extending towards the dramatic Old Harry Rocks. This scenic walk offers breathtaking views over Poole Harbour, Swanage, and the bay stretching towards the Isle of Wight. As you traverse the ridge, listen for the nostalgic whistle of a steam train and take a moment to picnic amidst the ancient tumuli on Nine Barrow Down. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along Swanage Beach, then return to Corfe Castle either by bus or the charming Swanage Railway (seasonal service available). This picturesque route combines natural beauty, historical landmarks, and the charm of Dorset’s coastline, making it a must-do for walkers and explorers alike.
Walking
Dogs welcome under close control. Paths are muddy in wet weather and steep in places, with some lengthy sections of steps. A few stiles but mostly gates.
Trail Route
START POINT
Castle View visitor centre, Corfe Castle, SY959825
STEP 1
Standing in front of the Castle View National Trust visitors centre and car park, cross the road near the bus stop and take the path ahead signposted Village Centre and Castle. Go through the gate and continue on the track with the castle to your left. Pass the remains of West Mill on your left. At the junction, follow the signs to Corfe Castle and cross the footbridge over the stream. Cross the road and go ahead along the asphalt path, keeping the castle to your left. Arrive at the entrance to Corfe Castle and the National Trust tea-room and shop. Toilets are available next to the castle ticket office.
STEP 2
Standing in front of the Castle View National Trust visitors centre and car park, cross the road near the bus stop and take the path ahead signposted Village Centre and Castle. Go through the gate and continue on the track with the castle to your left. Pass the remains of West Mill on your left. At the junction, follow the signs to Corfe Castle and cross the footbridge over the stream. Cross the road and go ahead along the asphalt path, keeping the castle to your left. Arrive at the entrance to Corfe Castle and the National Trust tea-room and shop. Toilets are available next to the castle ticket office.
STEP 3
Go ahead on a rising path up the side of the ridge, ignoring the fork to the right. A mobile phone mast comes into view ahead at the top of the ridge. At the mast, follow the path through the small gate in the direction marked Ulwell Ridge Path. Continue along the ridge. At the end of the field views towards Poole Harbour and Bournemouth appear on the left. Exit the field through the gate and continue along the ridge. Ignore the sign to Woolgarston and continue towards Ulwell. The path runs parallel to a field boundary on your left. Exit the field through a gate into a cattle pen and a second gate. Continue along the ridge through a gorse-covered landscape. At the fork in the path, follow the sign to Swanage, Studland along the ridge. Pass a cluster of tumuli on your left (a good spot for lunch).
STEP 4
Exit Ailwood Down (NT) through the gate. Continue ahead ignoring the sign to Studland Road. After 100m continue ahead along the ridge signposted Ulwell. At the end of the field, exit through the gate marked Purbeck Way and continue up the ridge on a track between fences. The track starts to bear right and descend. At the gate go ahead downhill through a small side gate in the direction marked Purbeck Way. At the junction 50m after going under electric cables, go ahead down the track signposted Purbeck Way Studland Road. Two hundred metres later fork left on a path across the field to a kissing gate. Cross a short section of field and pass through second kissing gate onto a busy road. Cross the road with care and turn left, then, after 20m turn right onto a footpath by a bus stop following the signs for the Purbeck Way.
Lookout for... Needles on the Isle of Wight On a clear day the Needles on the Isle of Wight are visible ahead.
STEP 5
Go through the kissing gate and follow the path along the base of the ridge, signposted towards Old Harry. At the water works continue ahead through the kissing gate made from reclaimed City of London bollards. After 10m turn left at the cross junction up the steps signposted obelisk. Climb approximately 210 steps and cross the style to arrive at the obelisk.
STEP 6
Turn right along the ridge signposted Old Harry. Exit the fenced track onto the open ridge and continue ahead along Ballard Down. Good views of Poole Harbour and Studland to the left, the Isle of Wight ahead and Swanage to the right. At the path junction, near a stone seat, continue ahead signposted Swanage via Coast Path and Old Harry. At the five bar gate go ahead towards Old Harry along a broad track. Soon after passing an old trig point go through a gate and turn immediately right along the fence line for 25m and then right again to join the cliff path back towards Swanage. Alternatively, continue down the hill to the cliff for views of Old Harry and The Pinnacle chalk stack before doubling back. On returning, exit the path through a kissing gate and turn left down the side of the ridge towards Swanage. At this point you can see the state of the tide which will influence the later stages of the route. Follow the path down the side of the ridge and after a flight of steps, pass through a kissing gate in the direction of the Coast Path and continue to descend. Go ahead along the winding path beside field boundaries until you pass a National Trust sign for Whitecliffe by the steps leading down to a stream. (At this point if the tide is out turn left down the path by the stream to reach the beach and then turn right along the shore towards Swanage.)
STEP 7
If the tide is in cross the bridge and climb the steps in the direction marked Coast Path to Swanage. At the top of the steps follow the signs across the grassy open space marked Coast Path to Swanage. Exit the open space through an alleyway between houses. At the end of the alleyway turn left along the road. Stay on this road, passing the Old Post Office, and go through the barrier gate at the end of the Ballard Estate onto a wide road. At the end of this road by Ballard Down Shop turn left onto Redcliffe Road one way system, signposted sea and town centre, Continue along this road down to the sea. Walk along the seafront, past the jetty with a clock tower, towards the Mowlem Theatre and amusement arcades.
STEP 8
Turn right up the main shopping street towards Swanage Railway Station. Trains or the number 40 bus will take you back to Corfe. The bus stop at Corfe is outside the Castle View National Trust visitors centre.
End Point
Turn right up the main shopping street towards Swanage Railway Station. Trains or the number 40 bus will take you back to Corfe. The bus stop at Corfe is outside the Castle View National Trust visitors centre.
A map of the Purebeck Ridgeway walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
Getting Here
Address
Mortons Manor, Corfe Castle, Dorset. BH20 5EE
By train
Wareham, 4.5 miles (7.2km). Corfe Castle station (Swanage Steam Railway) is a few minutes’ walk away
By Bus
Wiltshire and Dorset 40, Poole to Swanage (passing Wareham station).
By road
The A351, Wareham to Swanage, runs through Corfe Castle village.
Facilities
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Dogs welcome under close control. Cattle and sheep graze the meadows and hilltops. Please clear up after your dogs.
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Pay and display parking (NT members free) at Castle View. Norden park and ride, and West Street in the village (pay and display), neither National Trust.
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Toilets available at Castle View.
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Café available at Castle View.
Access
Paths are muddy in wet weather and steep in places, with some lengthy sections of steps. A few stiles but mostly gates. Take care when crossing busy roads and the railway track. The walk follows a number of interconnected footpaths. Cattle and sheep graze the meadows and hilltops.
Well Done on Completing the Corfe Castle to Coastline Trail!
Congratulations on conquering the scenic route from Corfe Castle to the stunning coastline. Share your experience and inspire others. For more walking trails and expert tips, explore our full guide and start planning your next adventure!.
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