Return to Tyneham

Saturday October 13th, 2007
10am

We will take a walk starting and finishing at the abandoned village of Tyneham (which the government promised to return to the villagers after the war – 1945).

This time we will walk along the path towards Worbarrow Bay where we turn right to observe Dorest’s best beach before ascending the sharp hill to
Flower’s Barrow and Rings Hill Iron Age fort.
Down past Arish Mell before another steep ascent to Bindon Hill, between the yellow markers to the end of the ranges, followed by a gentle descent to Lulworth cove where a choice of refreshments awaits us.
We can choose fish’n’chips (to take away), visit a café which has a varied and interesting menu, visit one of the bars, or eat a packed lunch by the cove.
After a stop here we proceed down to the cove where we will skirt around the cove before ascending to the entrance to the ranges.
A visit to the Fossil Forest is optional, though recommended if you have never been here before. A pleasant stroll to Mupe Bay precedes another steep ascent to overlook this bay as we pause to gasp for air.
Past Arish Mell again before we ascend to Flower’s Barrow where we cut inland to skirt Whiteway Hill before making our final descent to the car park at Tyneham.

10 undulating miles

Directions to Tyneham:

From the Wareham by-pass take the road signposted to Kimmeridge.
Drive through Grange and ascend the steep hill to the top of the Purbecks.
At the top, with the glorious views down and across fields towards Kimmeridge, avoid the sharp turn downhill towards Kimmeridge, and instead go straight ahead towards the gateway to the ranges.
(I have checked Dorset Countryside who have told me that the ranges will be open. If for any reason, like war with Iraq, they are closed, wait for me at the car park on the top of the hill, ref: 905817).
Very shortly after going through the gateway (about 300 yards) there is an almost concealed drive on your left. (NB Easy to miss) Take this drive and follow it to the village of Tyneham (ref:882803) where the car park operates an honesty box policy (well it did last time I was there).