Worth Matravers - Dorset
Circular Walk: 6.14 miles
what3words address for parking:
///elections.organs.offshore
The what3words address takes you to the ‘Woodhenge’ car park (pay and display) at the edge of the village.
We walked this route clockwise, heading towards Seacombe Bottom on a well marked path before joining the coast path. The coast path passes across the top of the disused Seacombe Quarry and so we detoured slightly to view the old quarry workings. The old workings are fenced off and dangerous to enter but you get a good impression of them as well as spectacular views of the cliffs to west. After our detour we tracked back to the coast path and continued our walk.
The view from the cliffs were stunning, even on the misty day that we had.
Most of the route is fairly easy going but there are a couple of steeper sections at Winspit and further on a fairly testing section just past the coastguard station which has a long, steep section with steps down and a similar steep rise that begins as soon as you get to the bottom. Near the coastguard lookout (which is manned) is also St Aldhelm’s Chapel. This was built in the 13th century within the remains of a circular enclosure that may have been an earlier Christian site. St Aldhelm was the first bishop of Sherborne. The chapel is a remarkable survivor and well worth visiting.
After Chapman’s Pool the route turns inland along Hill Bottom before a right turn from this path leads you back towards Worth Matravers and the car park. There is also a good pub in the village, the Square and Compass, which has a nationally important historic pub interior (as identified by the Campaign for Real Ale). It has also been in every edition of the CAMRA Guide so could be a good place for a beer (no meals, but they serve their own home made pies and pasties). There is also a large beer garden.
hiking
PeterHadfield on scottexservices.com