Worth Matravers - Winspit - Dancing Ledge

Kai Chandler

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This walk was originated by Colin Campbell. Walkingworld would like to say a big thank you to Colin for all his superb contributions to the website over the years.

From the delightful village of Worth Matravers in its picturesque setting, you take a gradual path down to Winspit, the site of caves and quarry workings long since abandoned. Then you follow the South West Coast Path through beautiful scenery and in summer, a wealth of flowers and butterflies, to Dancing Ledge, where you can easily descend to the sea. Many people swim from here before they continue and climb the moderately steep slope onto higher ground.
The walk instructions take you right to the top where there is a level walk back but, if you don't mind a little more climbing, there are other National Trust paths which will get you there as well.
The route is an all-weather one but remember that in winter, the winds on the coast can be very bitter indeed.

England - South West England - Dorset - Purbecks

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Moor, Mountains, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Sea, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife

2/19/2017 - Kai Chandler

My wife and I revisited this walk today and it's as wonderful as ever. We enjoyed exploring Winspit Quarry which according to Wikipedia produced stone for major buildings in London until about 1940 and since then has been used as a location in Blake's Seven, Dr Who and the 2012 Disney film John Carter. Top tip for visiting the works at Winspit Quarry is to take a torch! Then onto Dancing Ledge from which stone was used to construct Ramsgate harbour in Kent in the 18th and 19th centuries. At the start of the 20th century, a tidal swimming pool was blasted into the rocks for use by local schools, but it's probably not safe to swim in the sea off the ledge itself. When you've completed your walk you can enjoy a pint at the busy, small Square and Compass pub or a hot drink and cream tea at the award winning Tea and Supper room by the village pond.

2/26/2012 - Kai Chandler

One of the prettiest Jurassic Coastal walks but with some steepish steps and climbs. Much of the walk is along the coastal path to Dancing Ledge, well signposted and the point at which the walk turns inland to return to the start.

7/17/2011 - Lynda Truckle

Five of us did this walk today. Very enjoyable walk with beautiful views. The navigation notes were very useful although some stiles have been replaced by gates and the landscape has matured in a few places compared to the photos. Finished this lovely walk at the Square and Compass. Hope to return soon.