Dancing Ledge Walk

This 7+ miles walk takes us along the beautiful seaside cliff path to Dancing Ledge. For those nervous about heights, it's not as ‘on the edge’ as it sounds. The paths are gravel trails, grassy slopes and undulating, with some dips down and hill climbs. The views are spectacular.

We start from Swanage amphitheatre where there is paid parking. We advise free parking on Durlston Road about ¼ mile south and walk to the meeting point. You could also get the 50 bus to Swanage, but I'd strongly encourage car sharing if possible. (Please contribute towards driver's fuel.)

This walk will require sturdy footwear, and dress for the weather. Our last walk had beautiful sunshine, catching those out without a hat or shorts. Our path is exposed so prepare for a breeze as well as sunshine.

There is one toilet stop at Durlston Castle café, before we follow the curvaceous and seductive contours of the Jurassic Coast, delivering us to our lunch stop at Dancing Ledge.

After a while eating and exploring this remarkable coastal feature, which is natural in origin but then shaped by human quarrying, we will embark on a ‘belly-busting’ hill climb to burn off that extra chocolate bar we packed, following a higher path back to the beginning.

• 10:15am start - amphitheatre what3words ///mailings.renamed.pigs
• Free parking - Durlston Road BH19 2DJ
• This is an “all-day walk” - 3 to 4 hours duration – end time is approximate
• Toilets stop one (each way) at Durlston Head.
• Costs - car parking, but this is avoidable. Possible café stop on return of desired.
• Hazards - craggy rocks, bring walking poles if you have them
• Required - sun hat, sun cream, walking poles, windproof smock/jacket, several drinks, lunch, seat mat.

Our experienced walk leader is Aaron.

Our walks are free of charge for members and non-members of Dorset Humanists. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Participants are expected to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and safety and walks are undertaken at your own risk. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring a bottle of water and sunscreen/hat in sunny weather. Dorset Humanists cannot accept any liability for accident or injury incurred on public footways and byways.

Cover image by Jim Champion (Creative Commons, WIkipedia entry for Dancing Ladge)