Start/car parking - HPB Langton House

Note: It would be a great help to future walkers if you could record any inaccuracies you come across during this walk and report them to reception so that appropriate amendments can be made. Thank you for your help. Happy walking!

WALK

Leave Langton House, using the access drive to arrive at the head of a cul-de-sac. Veer left, cross a footbridge into the field to walk along a clear path with the ditch on your left.

Reaching a junction of footpaths, keep straight on (signposted Acton). Cross a tarmacked road maintaining the previous course passing through an enclosed section, then pass through a gate and aim for a row of cottages.

Turn left to pass in front of the cottages then use a gate situated to the left side of the wide gate sited directly ahead. DON’T follow the road as it curves right. Continue straight ahead, noticing the strange construction patterns in the wall to your right side. The roof tops of Acton are also in view.

Merging with a broad track (Priest’s Way) swing right and follow the obvious route towards Eastington Farm, witnessing scenes of environmental vandalism, caused by the ongoing search for stone along the way.

Don’t be deflected. Follow the waymarkers to Worth, noting the abundance of blackberry and blackthorn (sloe) bushes along the way. Do take a plastic bag if

Distance - 5 miles

Worth Matravers, Seacombe, Dancing Ledge

doing this walk in season. Fruits of the hedgerows. Free of charge to the pickers!

Cross the access road to Eastington Farm, then pass though a gate just beyond and follow the direction of the arrow suggesting a line slightly left. Aim for a stile resting beyond and to the right of the secondof two telegraph poles. Crossing the field should bring first views of the sea.

Now make towards a large barn (crossing two stiles) and enter the village of Worth Matravers which almost at once displays a hint of Canada! Walk downhill beyond the Square and Compass (refreshments) to reach the duckpond. At this point veer right if wanting to visit the Norman foundation of St. Nicholas of Myra (recommended) or the tea rooms.

The walk route veers left at the duckpond (see shelter and ‘phone box) following the left indication towards Seacombe. A second indicator confirms the route down a narrow road. Pay attention hereabouts because you need to locate a left turn after approx. 25 yards, to follow a narrow path that runs between houses (signposted). At the end of this section go throught the gate and aim straight ahead, making toward the marker post sited on the horizon across the valley.

All around is evidence of early settlers who cultivated the land by creating flat terraces known as strip lynchets. The upward section passes through these and presents the opportunity for close inspection. First hill of the day!

Cross the stone stile to head off towards Seacombe (¾mile). This is an invigorating section, especially when the wind’s coming from the east. Hold on to your hats!

Go through another gate, then descend the steps to arrive at a gate nestling in the valley. At that point swing right to head towards the coastline, crossing a small footbridge and passing a sign to Seacombe and Coast Path. Lots of gorse hereabouts. See if you can detect the coconut aroma this bush emits. Particularly evident following rain.

Approaching a gate with the sea in view, veer left, uphill - signposted Dancing Ledge. At the top of the incline Dorset’s dramatic coastline comes into view. (If the sun’s in the right position, evidence of strip lynchets are greatly enhanced along the westerly headland).

Now follow the coastal path all the way to Dancing Ledge. An area marked by N.T. signs. Along the way areas of coastal stone extraction are witnessed.

From Dancing Ledge follow the indication to Langton. This upward path initially accompanies the wall to your right, before veering left to enter an area of gorse, blackthorn and blackberries.

A well-defined path wriggles upwards to reach a gate. There a signpost indicates Langton 1 mile. Walking with a wall to your right, follow an obvious track with Sea Spray barn (stormy seas if the spray reached thispoint!) to the left.

The track leads on to a gate. Turn right along Priest’s Way. Ignore the temptation to enter Tom’s Field, instead proceed along the wide track, pass through another gate to arrive immediately at a junction. Turn left along Durnford Drove to Langton House.

Walk 2

Walk 2

Distance - 5 miles

Worth Matravers, Seacombe, Dancing Ledge

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers’ own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.

- Walk