The South Dorset Coast and the Purbeck peninsula are perhaps the jewel in the crown of the South West Peninsula Path. You meander through quiet smuggling villages and coves and chance upon quaint limestone buildings with thatched roofs. You can delight in a traditional cream tea or stop at a local inn and refresh yourself with a pint of real ale or cider. You start the walk from the busy pleasure sailing boat harbour at Weymouth before heading off to the isolated Osmington Mills to stay overnight in an ancient smugglers inn. The walking the next day is a little more strenuous as you go up the small hills and down to miniature smuggling beaches and coves. From the geologically interesting Lulworth Cove you skirt around Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve in Kimmeridge Bay and finish the day inland near Corfe Castle. You head out to the fine viewpoint at St Albans Head where almost the whole of the Dorset Coast is visible from. The Purbeck Marble quarries can be viewed down off the cliffs and as you start to head north at Durlston Head you come across the seaside resort of Swanage. The final days walk is around Studland Hill and along the spit of sand where you hop onto the local ferry to cross to the mainland at Sandbanks, passing Brownsea Island and finish your tour overlooking Poole harbour. You stop in country hotels and inns along the way, where accommodation is available in twin, double or single rooms, all with private facilities. B and B, guide book, map and luggage transfer are included in this Dorset Coast and the Purbeck Hills Path tour price.
Explore Britain self guided walking tours in England. June 20, 2007