South Purbeck cliffs walk
Enjoy sea views, former quarries and grassland rich in wildlife on this bracing six-mile circular walk, which takes in Spyway Barn, Dancing Ledge, East Man and Worth Matravers.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
Spyway car park, grid ref SY998783
Step 1
From the car park, follow the path south away from the village. Pass Spyway Barn where you will find informative displays on the local area. Pass through a gateway, and then a kissing gate next to a stone plaque showing a cow, sculpted by Sarah Moore. Turn right, keeping the wall to your right. Pass through a gateway, then at a kissing gate turn left down the track.
Step 2
At the end of the track, follow the grassy path down to the bottom of the hill. Turn right to follow the South West Coast Path. Pause to admire the views of Dancing Ledge to the east and Portland to the west. Keeping the sea on your left, follow the coast path, passing through three gates. Follow the path that heads inland to go around Seacombe Ledge.
Step 3
Turn left through a gate and up the steps, signposted ‘Winspit’. At the top of the hill pass through a gate, turn left and follow the coast path, passing through two gates. Go through the next kissing gate, and down some steep steps.
Step 4
At the T-junction, turn right and walk inland, following signs for Worth Matravers. At the water treatment plant, turn right up the path. Pass through a gate, and follow the path uphill to the village. Pass through another gate and head into the village.
Step 5
Turn right past the duck pond then take the right-hand fork in the road with the Square and Compass pub on your left and follow the road out of the village. Take the second footpath on your right, opposite a barn and signposted to Swanage. Follow the footpath across the field, pass through two gates across a track, and continue across the next field. Pass through another gate and cross the next field, looking out for a finger sign on the far wall. Pass through another gate and follow the Priest's Way, signposted for Langton Matravers. Follow the track straight ahead, passing several paths and tracks, and going through a gate. After passing through another gate, you will reach the crossroads at Spyway. Turn left to return to the car park.
End point
Spyway car park, grid ref SY998783
Trail map
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Walking at Spyway
Discover towering sea cliffs and rolling countryside at Spyway. Stroll along the clifftops or head inland to one of Dorset’s best-loved pubs.
Spotting puffins at Spyway
The puffin is one of Britain’s best loved birds and if you’re really lucky you might catch a glimpse of them at Spyway, where a small colony return each year.
Top tips for coastal walks
Get safety tips for walking by the coast, including the essential clothing and equipment to take with you and what to do before you set out.
Walking in Dorset
From strolls along the coastline by the sea to spectacular views over three counties at the top of Hambledon Hill, these are some of the best walks in Dorset this winter season.