Countryside
The countryside around Corfe Castle is
immensely varied - hills, farmland, heathland (Middlebere pictured)
and the Jurassic Coast
less than three miles away. A little further inland are the lush
water meadows and heathland made famous by Thomas Hardy.
Purbeck is in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The
local geology, archaeology, natural history and outstanding scenery
make this a wonderful holiday destination.
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Late afternoon sun, Frome valley
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Walking is excellent
here. The Purbeck Way National Footpath divides in Corfe
running to the north, east and south. Many other paths lead
around the castle and village, along the hills, or to the
coast. Try going across the Common and up the hill to the
Scott Arms pub in Kingston which has wonderful views. Or
on wild and windy days Arne, an RSPB reserve is sheltered
and has easy walks.
On a fine day take
the path along the Purbeck Hills from the Whiteway car park
to Flowers' Barrow. There are magnificient views to Poole
Harbour on one side, the abandoned Tyneham valley on the
other and the sea straight ahead.
Or take the challenge
and walk some of the long distance paths - the South-West
Coast Path, the Hardy Way, and the Jubilee Trail!
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| Beaches
and Coast |
There are rocks and cliffs along the
coast to the south and perfect sand to the east whilst mud
and reedbeds make up the banks of Poole Harbour. A bit of
everything within 5 miles!
Studland beach - superb
sandy beach. Run by the National
Trust. It can get crowded in summer.
Kimmeridge Bay - brilliant rocky beach. Fossils, rock
pools and seaweeds.
Lulworth Cove - beautiful and famous horseshoe bay.
Swanage - sand again but in a
town setting with playgrounds for young children, local
shops etc.
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| Those unfamiliar with this part
of the country may wish to explore further, for example the New
Forest, Salisbury Cathedral, the gardens of Stourhead or
the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge - all about an hour's
drive. |
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Copyright E Hedley 2004
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