Clifftop views, hidden caves, countryside and a very well-earned slice of Dorset Apple Cake!
If you fancy a Dorset walk that gives you a bit of everything, this Worth Matravers to Dancing Ledge and Winspit Loop is a good one to have on your list. You’ve got countryside, coastal views, Dancing Ledge, Winspit Quarry and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way. And, of course, there’s a very important treat waiting for you at the end!
The Walk
Starting the Walk
- Start at Worth Matravers Car Park and turn left at the end of the road, walking past the houses.
- Head down the lane and through the gate into the fields.
- Cross the two fields, keeping an eye out for the cows.
- Follow the signpost for Langton Matravers until you reach a fence near the lane.
- Take the gate on the right into the next field.
- Follow the path down, then keep left and take the higher path towards Dancing Ledge.
- Near the stone walls, look for the signpost to Dancing Ledge and follow the path down.
Dancing Ledge
- At the fork, take the right-hand path and continue to Dancing Ledge.
- Climb over the stiles and take some time to explore and enjoy the coastal views.
Dancing Ledge to Seacombe
- When you’re ready, follow the signposts for Seacombe.
- Go back over the stile and take the path on the left.
- Follow the path towards Seacombe.
- From Seacombe, look towards the sea and you’ll spot Winspit Quarry just beyond the corner.
On to Winspit Quarry
- Head up the lane and follow the hill until the path forks left.
- Take the left turn and tackle the steps.
- Follow the path along the cliffs with the sea on your left.
- When you reach the trees, take the path to the right.
- Continue through the trees and follow the path down the steps. If you’re short like me, you might need to do a little jumping down a few of them!
- And then… you’ve made it to Winspit!
This is one of my favourite places along the Dorset coast. There are caves to explore, amazing cliffs to admire and, depending on the weather and sea conditions, you can watch climbers doing their thing. If you’re an experienced climber, there’s climbing here too. But if, like me, that’s not quite your thing, you can simply explore and enjoy the scenery.
On a warm day, you might even fancy a splash in the sea below. Just take care around the cliffs and caves and make sure conditions are safe before getting too adventurous.
The Walk Back to Worth Matravers
- When it’s time to head back, follow the gravel path up the hill.
- You’ll eventually come to a fork in the path. Take the right-hand route and continue across the fields between the houses.
- This will bring you out between some houses at the bottom of Worth Matravers.
- From here, walk back up the hill towards the village. And this is where I highly recommend rewarding yourself…
Time for a Treat!
Once you’re back in Worth Matravers, head to The Square & Compass. After all that walking, you deserve it! And if you see Dorset Apple Cake on the menu, get it. Trust me on this one. There’s nothing quite like finishing a coastal walk with a proper Dorset treat.
I absolutely love this part of the Dorset coast, and this is one of those walks where the journey is just as good as the destinations. You’ve got countryside, coastline, caves, quarries and plenty of places to stop and take it all in.
And then there’s the promise of Dorset Apple Cake at the end… Now that’s what I call motivation!
