Dinefwr Ramblers Holiday 2019 – Swanage, Dorset.
Sixteen members of our Group enjoyed an excellent break based in the seaside town of Swanage in Dorset. The weather was ideal for walking, the only rain occurred during the night. A programme of mixed walks over three days meant that there was a choice of walks to suit all abilities.
Our first walk was a 12 mile walk from the Swanage Railway station up onto the ridge and then along the ridge on the Purbeck Way. There were great views over the Isle of Purbeck before we descended down to Corfe Castle. Passing the actual castle we walked into the village of Corfe Castle where we visited the local church. Those who wanted to do the shorter of the two walks caught the steam train back to Swanage whilst the others returned along the base of the ridge.
Corfe Castle
On Wednesday we again started our walk in Swanage, this time by the pier. Again there was a longer 11 mile walk and a shorter 4 mile walk. Both walks followed the South West Coast path around Durlston Bay to Durlston Castle. As the group doing the longer walk had gone on ahead to make good time as they had to catch the train back, the short walk group decided to have coffee in Durlston Castle, sitting out in brilliant sunshine on the terrace. This group eventually decided to continue with the walk along the Coast Path, passing ‘The Globe’ and then Tilly Whim caves before turning north up through Durlston Country Park to get back to Swanage. The other group had continued further on the Coast path, passing the ‘Dancing Ledge’ until they eventually turned north to the village of Worth Matravers. Stopping briefly for an ice cream they then carried on to Corfe Castle to catch the steam train back to Swanage.
Dancing Ledge
Thursday saw us starting our walk from the car park by Knoll Beach near Studland. A walk across Studland and Goglingston Heath Nature Reserve eventually led us to the steps up to Agglestone Rock, a rock that was reputedly thrown by Satan. It is the only example of red sandstone in the area, everywhere else the sandstone is white. Crossing the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club we made our way up to an obelisk which gave us great views of the ridge that we had walked on Tuesday. Continuing towards the coast on the very windy Ballard Down, we followed the Purbeck Way from Ballard Point along the coastal path to Old Harry Rock. From there we eventually found our way onto Knoll Beach. A quick stop for coffee and cakes in Joe’s Café and then back to the cars.
All in all a really great holiday, good walks, excellent food, favourable weather and good company. Many thanks to Phil and Alcwyn for organising this trip, and to the rest of the walk leaders for their work!