Walking in kimmeridge

At Clavells we are spoiled for choice with an abundance of beautiful walks - along the South West Coast Path and beyond. We love welcoming walkers and explorers and can help you refuel with a coffee pit stop or a full breakfast or lunch to set you on your way.

Want to take a walk? We’re sharing one of our favourite walks which is approximately 5.5 miles. The route offers amazing views and is easy to navigate.

The starting point is the quarry at the top of the hill that leads down into Kimmeridge Village (where Clavells is located) so you can easily incorporate a visit to us within your day.

Instructions

1. When you come out of the quarry, turn right and walk up the road for approx 75 yards. Take the 2nd gate on your left and after going through it, follow the edge of the hill - you should have an open field on your right.

2. Approx 25 yards before the end of the field, turn left over a stile and you will reach a path which will double back down the hill before reaching some steps on the right.

3. Go down the steps and straight ahead to cross a large field. Bear right at the end of this first field and pass through a gap into the next field. Walk in the direction of the sea, across two more fields then keep to the left hand edge of the next field.

4. Bend right then left to reach a paved road. Turn right and continue to the edge of the cliff. When you reach the cliff, you can turn left onto a narrow path. Take extra care if the weather is poor or it has recently rained.

5. The steps you’ll need to take for the next part of the walk depend on the tides as this will determine whether or not there is access between the cliffs and the sea on the beach which lies in front of you.

6. Go past the cottages at Gaulter Gap and ignore the right fork to instead reach a junction of paths.

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● If the tide is low, turn right onto the beach then left to walk around the bay to reach the Marine Centre.

● If the tide is in you can turn left across a bridge and ascend a few steps to follow the path along the edge of the cliff. You’ll come to a clearing where you need to turn right and look for a path out of the clearing in about 80 yards. Follow the path down onto a routh track and turn right to reach the Marine Centre.

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7. Head back up the concrete slipway and cross the paved road to head up the steps signposted ‘Chapman’s Pool’. Take care on these steps as they are quite steep and can become slippery when wet.

8. The steps will take you to Clavell Tower (LINK TO BLOG POST) and from here you can follow the South West Coast Path for approx 1.5 miles until you reach Rope Lake Head.

9. Once you have walked 200 yards beyond Rope Lake Head, you will find a stile to cross. Walk up the left hand edge of the field until you reach a gate straight ahead. This will lead you onto a rough track.

10. Ignore a right fork but continue until the track bends sharply to the right - turn left. Go through the first gate on the right and make your way uphill alongside the hedge on the right hand side.

11. Continue using any path uphill until they merge into a single path with steps up to a stile at the top of the hill.

12. Turn right and you will reach the summit of Swyre Head - the exceptional views will take your breath away so pause a while to enjoy them!

13. Double back and keep the fence and then a drystone wall on your left. You will then go through a gate into a field.

14. Keep to the left hand side of the field, then pass through five more fields. In the final one the path will become more of a stony track which then drops down to the road.

15. Turn left on the road, then left at the T junction to find the quarry on your left.

Terrain and Footwear

This is an undulating walk and there are some steep climbs. A good level of fitness is required and walking boots or supportive footwear is definitely recommended. Be aware that the ground can be muddy especially after heavy rainfall. Take care to avoid slipping and always use hand rails in place on steep steps.

Refuel at Clavells

This is certainly a walk that will help you to work up an appetite. Book your table at Clavells in advance and we’ll make sure you are suitably fuelled for an incredible walk.