Corfe Castle to Nine Barrow Down

Wednesday 17 June 2015 , along the Purbeck Way.

Around a seven mile walk on a sunny afternoon. Our original intention was to climb East Hill, but the weather and the path were altogether too good to refuse. 

From Corfe Castle's NT car park turn left and take second road on left - Sandy Hill Lane.

On the left just after turn to railway station is a permissive path to East Hill.

it's very steep, and most of the gradient is steps. 

There is also a gentler track which meets this one just before the first radio mast, but misses out East Hill with its fine views of the Castle.

At the top of the steps, head for the top of the ridge, following signs to Rollington Hill.

Fabulous views over to the north, over Poole harbour and Wareham Channel.

The path continues along the ridge, going slightly south of east.

It's a bridleway too.

The prevailing winds are westerlies.

We followed it for about three and a half miles to the point where it begins the descent to the road to Ullwell and Swanage. The track veers right, there's a radio mast ahead, and a toppled trig point

close by.

We retraced our footsteps with a ten yard or so detour to see a bee orchid. A couple had told us where this was.

most of the walk was on wonderful springy grassland - so much so that I took my shoes off for a short distance.

On the way back the clouds were creating spooky effects around the castle.