- Difficulty
- Moderate
Moderate
- Start
- Worth Matravers (nr. Chapmans Pool)
- Finish
- South Haven Point
- Length
- 14.0 miles (22.6 km)
- Summary
Leave the pretty village of Worth Matravers and the breathtaking views from St Aldhelm’s Head to set off along the final stretch of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and what is actually the last leg of the 630 mile South West Coast Path. High, level cliff walking between St Aldhelm’s Head and Durlston Head is followed by fairly easy walking along the promenade of the seaside town of Swanage.
As you walk through open grassland and woodland around Studland, keep a look out for bottlenose dolphins and take time to enjoy the beautiful seasonal wildflowers and butterflies and the spectacular views of the chalk stacks of Old Harry. Three miles of sandy beaches running all the way to South Haven Point offer plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the views across Poole Bay to Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight.
Note the last ½ mile of beach is popular with naturists. if you wish to avoid seeing naked people, either come in chilly weather, or walk inland and follow the coast road
Just before the ferry to Sandbanks a steel sculpture marks the end of your journey and the end of the South West Coast Path.
The nearest railway station to the end of walk Parkstone, which is on teh mainline to London Waterloo. It is 3.5mile walk or bus ride (no 52) from where you get off the ferry - see Google maps for times and directions.
- Public Transport
Regular buses runs between Swanage, Poole and Bournemouth and stops in Studland village and Shell Bay. The ferry from Shell Bay to Sandbanks runs daily throughout the year, leaving at 0710 then 30, 50 and 10 minutes after each hour until 2310. For further details tel: 01929 450203 or see Sandbanks Ferry.
For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.
- Nearest car park
Worth Matravers, Durlston Head, Swanage and Studland.
- Nearest toilets
Worth Matravers, Durlston Head, Swanage, Studland and South Haven Point.
- Nearest refreshments
There are a few facilities in the village of Worth Matravers and, further on, a cafe in the Castle at Durlston Country Park. Swanage has a number of restaurants, shops, pubs and cafes. Additional refreshments can be found around Studland.
