This snapshot, taken on 13/05/2005, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
Access & RecreationWalks On MoD Land Elstead Common (Lulworth), Dorset Coastal and inland paths, encompassing the historical Tyneham village and the spectacular Dorset coastline. Walk 1: Circular route Distance: 3½ miles
(5.6km) Walk 2: Easy-going Trail Distance: 2½ miles (4km)
OS Landranger Sheet 194 (Dorchester, Weymouth & surrounding area) 1:50,000 OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 15 (Purbeck
& South Dorset: Poole, Dorchester, Weymouth & Swanage) 1:25,000
The Bindon Range at Lulworth has been used as a tank firing range since 1916 while Heath Range and the Tyneham Valley were taken into use during the Second World War. The Lulworth Range comprises more than 2,830 hectares. Although its foreshore continues for some ten and a half kilometres, only certain areas are accessible due to sheer cliff faces and unstable rock and chalk formations. The Range is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Amongst the grasslands abutting the walks lies a multitude of wild flowers including Cowslip, Milkwort, Scabious and Wild Parsnip. In the summer months, the whole area abounds with a variety of wildlife and insects. As with much of the Dorset coast, this section of the coastline is important for its geological interest. A mixture of limestone and chalk sands and clays can be seen, including spectacular formations of folding rock strata. At the start of the walk at Whiteway car park (A - GR 888 812) you will see a stone signpost for Lulworth, Flower's Barrow and Tyneham. Follow this route southwesterly along the ridge, always staying between the yellow marker posts. Continue along this path until you reach a gate and stile. Cross over the stile, and continue along a gravel track, passing a Trig Point on your right. Where the track turns right downhill, continue straight along the grassy track, crossing over another stile on to Flower's Barrow (B - GR 866 805). At Flower's Barrow, follow the signs for Worbarrow Bay (C), heading south easterly. Cross over a stile and follow the signs for the 'Hardy Way', (a section of the South West Coast Path). This path takes you down a steep grassy slope. At the bottom of the hill, cross another stile. Following the coastline, continue along the path crossing another stile and passing some ruined cottages. This will take you on towards the beach at Worbarrow Bay. At the beach, walk across a small bridge and turn left on to a track. Shortly after this track, turn right, up some steps to an information board overlooking Worbarrow Bay (GR 871 797). From here, follow a gravel track inland, which is signposted to Tyneham, keeping the wooded area on your left. Approximately 10 minutes along this track (GR 879 801), you will reach a gate and a sign post for a 'woodland walk' which takes you on to the car park at Tyneham (D - GR 882 802). (It is also possible to follow the easy-going trail to the car park from this point, by continuing along the gravel track). At the car park (D), turn left and head towards the village of Tyneham. In the village, follow a track around the back of the church to meet up with a gravel road. Continue along this road, gently ascending the hill back to the Whiteway car park (A - GR 888 812). Walk
description - Walk 2 Leaving the car park at Tyneham (D - GR 882 802), walk past the toilets on the left and turn right continuing along the gravel track. Continue along this track, with the woodland on the right, until reaching the information board overlooking the beach at Worbarrow Bay (C). This track is suitable for access by wheelchair and pushchair users.
Lulworth Range walks are normally accessible every Saturday/Sunday except for six weekends in the year. They are also open during Christmas, Easter, all of August and all Public Holidays. Access information can be gained by contacting the Range. (See also General Safety)
Local bus services
The Dorset Link-Rider, which only operates on summer Sundays between July and September, provides a link between Swanage and Weymouth. There is one service in the morning which stops at Tyneham Lane, close to the Whiteway car park and one service in the early evening. Further bus services can be picked up at East Lulworth:
There are car parking facilities at Whiteway (A) and Tyneham (D). Picnic facilities are also available at Whiteway car park. There are public toilets at Tyneham (D), including a disabled toilet. A recording of up to date information can be heard by phoning: 01929 462721 Ext. 4819. For information on walking/transport in the area contact: Purbeck Tourist Information
Centre Further transport information can be obtained from Dorset County Council Passenger Transport Tel: 01305 225165. Ministry of Defence (2000) Walks on the Lulworth Ranges Leaflet. The Army in Co-operation with the Public Astin, J & Waller, H (1988) Tyneham Trail Leaflet Countryside Commission/Ordnance Survey (1999) National Trust Guide 11: South West Coast Path-Exmouth to Poole Leighton, B (Media Support Wing) A Short History of Tyneham Leaflet Note: All maps are in 'pdf' format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have the reader, please click here. |
