Footscape Holidays

Purbeck Independent Walking Holiday

Our Purbeck trail is composed of a series of five one-day hikes of exceptional beauty and moderate difficulty, with an average daily walking distance of around 10 to 11 miles (16 to 18 km), although the longer walks can be shortened, if you wish. Three of these days represent a continuous hike that follows part of our stunning Jurassic Coast trail. Most of the walks start or end at the charming and historic village of Corfe Castle.

This independent walking tour or short weekend break is designed so that you do not require any transport of your own or from Footscape during your stay. Purbeck is served by the main line railway station at Wareham, which is reached in only 2 hrs 20 minutes from London Waterloo. You will also be able to use the steam trains of the scenic Swanage Railway to go to or from the trail on one or two days.

Subject to the availability of accommodation, you can choose your own dates from between 2 nights (1 or 2 days’ walking) and 7+ nights (the full 5 walking days with one or more rest days).

About the walk

Some sections of the trail are along the spectacular South West Coast Path and inland grassy ridges that offer magnificent views of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. There are a few steep ups and downs, especially on coastal paths, as well as longer easy sections. One day takes you through a very different landscape of fields, heath and woodland, and on another day you walk north from Corfe Castle to the attractive town of Wareham.

In addition to the beauty of its villages and untamed landscape, especially its coastline, Purbeck is an area known for its traces of dinosaurs, whose footprints and fossilised bones have been found in several places, dating back over 65 million years.

Accommodation and services

Depending on availability, your accommodation will be in an attractive town or village in the heart of Purbeck for the duration of your self-guided walking tour.

The price of your holiday includes a full English breakfast each morning (or continental if you prefer) and a detailed and informative Trail Guide. We will also supply you with the relevant ordnance survey map, with the Footscape trail highlighted, as well as all other information that you will need for your holiday.

Trail Highlights

• The majestic ruin of Corfe Castle
• Old Harry Rocks
• The beach resorts of Swanage and Studland
• Durlstone Country Park (Nature Reserve)
• The attractive Purbeck Stone villages of Corfe Castle, Kingston, Kimmeridge and Worth Matravers
• The historic Swanage steam railway
• Agglestone (rock), set in the middle of Godlingston Heath Nature Reserve
• The old Saxon river port of Wareham with its ancient walls.