Dorset Coastal Event

Dorset Coastal weekend Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th September 2021

We will be leaving London very early on Saturday and will get to the New Forest within 2 hours. After our 3 hour walk in the New Forest we will continue our journey to Studland where we will start our 3 hour coastal walk to Old Harry Rock. We will be staying at a Premier Inn hotel on Saturday night.

On Sunday we will drive to the lovely seaside town of Weymouth and start our walk towards the Dorset’s most scenic coastline to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. There will be 4 hills to walk up and we will take a well deserve break after each one. At Durdle Door we will enjoy a long break and may even go for a swim at this iconic rock landmark.

You can email me via michaelwk16@yahoo.com for details on cost how to secure a place.

Transportation: Transportation is provided if departing from London. I will sort out all of the transportation logistics for the whole group. Organise the departure point, exchange drivers and members contact details in advance and ensure the drivers get to every location during the event on time. All my volunteer drivers are experienced, regular and confident drivers. I will co-ordinate the whole group to meet at a convenient location for early Saturday morning.

Meals: I will reserve good restaurants at Lulworth cove, many will have a good seafood, vegetarian and vegan choice. Sunday breakfast will be at the Premier Inn hotel

No circular coastal routes: The beaches, sea, high cliffs and undulating coastal paths are the main sights of Dorset so the whole walking distance will be along the South West Coastal Path. Other walking groups will walk a circular route and finish back at the starting point. For this event to maximise the coastal experience we will have cars strategically parked at the finishing point of each walk which maybe up to 10 miles away from the starting point, ready to pick up the group after a long day’s walk. No other groups will do this as the logistics are complicated and time consuming for the drivers.

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Scroll down past the photos for the full day to day itinerary

Transportation:  Transportation is provided if departing from London.  I will sort out all of the transportation logistics for the whole group.  Organise the departure point, exchange drivers and members contact details in advance and ensure the drivers get to every location during the event on time.  All my volunteer drivers are experienced, regular and confident drivers.   I will co-ordinate the whole group to meet at a convenient location for early Saturday morning. 

Accommodation:  We will be staying at a Premium Inn hotel for Saturday night with 2 sharing a en-suit room. Room allocation will be based on gender or your own room if you attend with a friend.  

Meals:  I will reserve good restaurants at Lulworth cove, many will have a good seafood, vegetarian and vegan choice. Sunday breakfast will be at the Premier Inn hotel 

Proposed Schedule

Saturday 4th September 2021

08:00              Meeting at Coulsdon South Station (London, Zone 6)

08:00-10:00   Drive from Coulsdon South to New Forest

10:15-13:15   Walk in the New Forest

13:20-14:20   Lunch break at lovely New Forest village Burley

14:25-15:00   Drive a further 30 miles to Studland

15:00-18:00   Walking Studland past Old Harry Rock and finish at Swanage 

18:30-21:00   Dinner and drinks at Swanage

21:00-21:40   Travel to Premier Inn in Yeovil 

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Sunday 5th September 2021

07:30-08:30    Breakfast at Premier Inn

08:30-09:30    Travel to Weymouth

09:30-15:30    Walk from Weymouth to Durdle Door

15:30-16:30    Long break at Durdle Door 

16:30-17:30    Final walk from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove

17:30-19:30    Drive back at Coulsdon South Station

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Fitness:  This Dorset event is suitable for members of an average fitness level.  With most coastal walks there will be hills to walk up, this gives this coastal the fantastic scenery.  Each hill would only take an average member 8-10 minutes of strenuous walking, each will reward you a fantastic viewpoint.  You should be able to walk a minimum 2 miles per hour on a varied terrain and able to walk 1.5 hours continuously with a 10 minute break.  There will be many breaks to enjoy the scenery, take photos and to rest.  

No circular coastal routes:  The beaches, sea, high cliffs and undulating coastal paths are the main sights of Dorset so the whole walking distance will be along the South West Coastal Path.  Other walking groups will walk a circular route and finish back at the starting point. For this event to maximise the coastal experience we will have cars strategically parked at the finishing point of each walk which maybe up to 10 miles away from the starting point, ready to pick up the group after a long day’s walk. No other groups will do this as the logistics are complicated and time consuming for the drivers. 

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Flexibility: My approach and itinerary is flexible.  If bad weather is forecasted, I am happy to change the itinerary.  Weather can we localised in Devon so willing to drive to a different region for a dry walk.  

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Securing a place:  My events are normally over subscribed.  You can reserve your place on any event, months in advance with a £50 deposit.  I understand that member’s work, family & personal situation can change, so your deposit or balance is 100% refundable 7 days prior to the start of this event, no quibble.   All I need is 7 days notice and I refund you fully within 24 hours.  I only require the final balance 7 days before the start of the event, again being flexible to members needs.  

KIT LIST

Essentials: 

Good waterproof jacket.  Even with no rain forecasted a waterproof jacket can be used to keep your warm during our early morning starts.

Hiking boots (with good grip and ankle support) - don’t forget to bring good quality hiking socks 

1 change of clothing. A few warm items for our early morning starts: base layer, warm fleece, gloves, beanie

Items for hot conditions: broad beam hat, a cap, sun block, sun glasses

Other items: 

Wash kit. towels will be provided at the hotel.  A daypack to hold your day kit (water, snacks, jacket)

Trainers to wear in the cars/minibus