The Swanage Eccentric SZ031773
Take the footpath directly below the visitor centre car park, signed to Tilly Whim and coast path. Steps lead down through some trees. With the sea ahead, follow the path round to the right, joining the coastal path. Keep right, towards the lighthouse, down the steep path. As you climb up the other side, look back and down to admire the spectacular Tilly Whim Caves cut into the ledges of the cliff. Pass the lighthouse and turn right, then go through a kissing gate to follow the path with butterfly markers up the steep side of Round Down, with views to St Aldhelm's Head.
At the top bear right, heading inland and parallel with a wall. Go down a slope, through a gate and across a footbridge, then turn up to the right. At a wooden gate turn left over a stone stile, following the butterfly marker. After another stile you csn see the roll of the Purbeck Hills ahead and the roofs of Swanage to the right. Cross a stile and go down a broad, grassy track. Beyond a stile by a farm this track narrows and begins to climb steeply. Continue straight ahead on to the road and follow this into the town, with the prominent church in front of you.
Turn right on to the main road. Continue along the street, but look out for the elaborate Wesley memorial; and the extraordinary Town Hall.
At the square bear left beside the Heritage Centre, towards the harbour. Turn right and pass the entrance to the pier. Follow the fingerpost to the coastal path, then bear right, up the hill, past a modern apartment block and a bizarre stone tower, to reach the tip of Peveril Point, with its coastguard station.
Turn right and walk up the grassy slope along the top of the cliffs. Take the path in the top corner and follow the Victoria's head markers to a road. Turn left through an area of pleasant Victorian Villas. Erosion of the coastal path means a well-signed detour here, along the street, down to the left and left through a gate into woodland, signposted to the visitor centre and lighthouse. Follow the path for about 0.5 mile along the cliff to Durlston Head. Pass Durlston Castle on your left and turn down to examine Burt's great stone globe. Stagger back up the steep hill to return to the car park.
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