Exploring Swanage
Recommended by
Walk directions
From the top of the main path down to the castle from the car park, turn right along a tarmac footpath. In 75yds (70m), find steps and an earth path down through trees. Cross a path and, with the sea ahead of you, follow the way round downhill to the right, towards the lighthouse. As you climb up the other side, look back to admire the Tilly Whim Caves cut into the ledges of the cliff. Immediately after the lighthouse turn up right towards the hump of Round Down. Don’t join the tarmac path down to the right, but instead head left, skirting to the right of a thorn patch to a kissing gate with a butterfly marker. A path with small waymarkers leads from here up onto the down.
Don’t go through the wall at the top, but turn down right parallel to it into a little valley. At the bottom, go through a gate and cross a little footbridge and turn right on a grassy track slanting up to a wooden gate. Just before this gate, turn left through another gate (stone stile alongside). A wide green path leads inland, gently uphill. After another gate you can see the Purbeck Hills ahead and the roofs of Swanage to the right. The path goes down through another gate to join a broad, grassy track. After passing a farm, this track narrows and begins to climb again. Continue straight ahead onto the road into the town, with a church with low stone tower ahead.
View all directions
Additional information
Terrain
- Grassy paths, rocky tracks, pavements
Landscape
- Spectacular cliff scenery, undulating hills, Swanage town
Dog friendliness
- Some town walking
Parking
- At Durlston Country Park
Toilets en route
- Durlston Country Park and at Peveril Point
About the walk
In the early 19th century Swanage was a bustling, industrial port that shipped stone from the 60 or so quarries in the area. A growing fashion for seabathing changed the focus of the town forever. The real change to the face of Swanage came, however, with the extraordinary collecting habit of...
Read more
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Belvedere Lodge
Belvedere Lodge is a Georgian Grade II listed 2 bedroomed ground floor apartment with a romantic cottage feel and dramatic sea views over Swanage Pier. The beach is a short stroll away,...
8 Sandringham Court
This homely, two-bedroom, ground-floor flat sleeps four and is furnished to a very high standard with many personal touches and also offers undercover, allocated parking space. Situated...
Flat 8 Sandringham Court
This homely, two-bedroom, ground-floor flat sleeps four and is furnished to a very high standard with many personal touches and also offers undercover, allocated parking space. Situated...
Swanage Bay View
Experience the beauty of the Jurassic Coast at Swanage Bay View Holiday Park. It’s a very well equipped park, with an indoor heated pool, a bar and coffee lounge, modern gym facilities ...
Finn Lodge
Finn Lodge is located at the higher end of Swanage Coastal park, ensuring delightful views over the surrounding coast and countryside. The views can be enjoyed from the comfortable loun...
Ulwell Holiday Park
Sitting under the Purbeck Hills and surrounded by scenic walks, this park is only two miles from the beach. It is family-run and caters well for families and couples, and offers a newly...
Tom's Field Campsite
Thanks to founder Tom Bower in the 1950s, Tom’s Field Campsite is so well situated that you can explore this part of the Jurassic Coast without using the car. Surrounded by old stone wa...
Acton Field Camping Site
This informal campsite, bordered by farmland on the outskirts of Langton Matravers, offers good toilet facilities. There are superb views of the Purbeck Hills and towards the Isle of Wi...
Places to eat nearby View all
