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Purbeck Hills
Situated on the beautiful Purbeck peninsula, the
charming seaside town of Swanage is a superb
base from which to enjoy some of the best walks
in the south of England. Dramatic cliffs, rolling
chalk downs and beautiful heathland form a
tranquil coastal landscape full of variety and
interest.
Detailed information
| For greater flexibility, holidays at our partner hotels, such as Swanage, operate on a Half Board basis - picnic lunches can be bought from either the hotel or local shops. To reach the walks we'll use a variety of transport which is payable locally. |
| Classic Walking programme details |
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On these holidays there is a choice of two walks for varying abilities each day:
ITINERARY
Day 1: arrival day.
Day 2: follow the magnificent coastal path south
from Swanage, visiting the landmarks of Anvil Point
lighthouse, Tilly Whim Caves and Dancing Ledge.
Day 3: walk from the traditional Dorset village of
Kingston to the splendid viewpoint of Swyre Head.
The walks continue to Corfe Castle, either through
the fields or around the green hills of the Purbeck
horseshoe.
Day 4: explore one of Dorset's most dramatic
stretches of coastline on walks from Osmington to
Lulworth Cove. We follow the undulating chalk cliffs
to the stunning sea arch of Durdle Door before
crossing the final headland to the famous cove.
Day 5: free day - options include riding the steam
railway to the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle, taking the
ferry across Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island or
relaxing on the beach at Swanage.
Day 6: descend to the secluded beach at Chapman's
Pool and then continue either to the charming
Purbeck-stone villages of Worth and Langton
Matravers, or around the weather-beaten cliffs of
St Aldhelm's Head.
Day 7: sample the superb views across Purbeck, and
over the sea to the Isle of Wight, on walks along the
majestic chalk cliffs of Ballard Down to Old Harry
Rocks and the village of Studland.
Day 8: departure day.
Please Note: The above programme should give you a good feel for the
walks at this resort but is subject to change. Each year we listen carefully to
the views of our guests and make improvements to our walking programmes. Further
information will be sent to you prior to your holiday; however the final selection
of walks will be made by your walking Leaders.
Local transport to and from walks
Local transport is not included in the cost of your holiday. Please allow £40
per week, excluding your free day.
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| Footpath information |
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Easier Walks: 5 to 6 miles with 300ft to 600ft of ascent in a day. |
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Harder Walks: 8 to 12 miles with 600ft to 1,700ft of ascent in a day. |
Walks use good tracks and well-maintained coastal paths with some short, but steeper, sections.
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| Dates and prices |
|
| Sat 17 May 2008 |
£549 |
| Sat 7, 21 June 2008 |
£579 |
| Sat 5 July 2008 |
£579 |
| Sat 6 Sept 2008 |
£549 |
Single room supplement: £12 per night
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| Average
temperatures |
|
| May |
7°C |
16°C |
| June |
10°C |
19°C |
| July |
12°C |
21°C |
| August |
12°C |
21°C |
| Sept |
10°C |
19°C |
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| Travel to resort |
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By Road: 1 hour from the M27 near
Southampton. Ample free car parking is
available in the grounds.
By Train: There are hourly direct trains to
Wareham station which can be reached in
2hrs 10mins from London Waterloo. Visit thetrainline.com for train
information and to book tickets.
The 10 mile transfer to Swanage can be
made by taxi (allow £20 per journey - less if
shared), or by hourly local bus (allow £4
per journey) and then a 5 minute walk.
By National Express Coach: to Swanage.
See www.nationalexpress.com
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| What the holiday includes |
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- 7 nights' accommodation in en-suite rooms.
- Half Board - Breakfast & evening meals.
- Services of 2 HF Holidays' leaders.
- 5 guided walks.
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| Where you'll stay |
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PURBECK HOUSE HOTEL.
Centrally
located
in the
attractive
resort of
Swanage,
this three-star family-run hotel has
excellent views over the Purbeck Hills
and the town's bay. The historic main
building, formerly a convent, retains its
antique charm, including a stately
function room that was once the nuns’
chapel.
There are 38 en-suite bedrooms in the
main building and the Louisa Lodge
annexe; an attractive modern
addition. Spacious gardens and an airy
conservatory all offer pleasant relaxation
at the end of the day’s walks
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