This 11 mile walk takes in the spectacular Fossil Forest and the abandoned, reputedly haunted, Tyneham village, now part of the massive Lulworth Military (MOD) Ranges. We hiked along the incredible South West Coast Path, and part of the special Dorset Jurassic Coast, starting from a large free carpark at Whiteways viewpoint (BH20 5DE). Please check the Government website for firing times as parts of our route are closed when training is in progress.
From the carpark we walked over Whiteway Hill, which had an unexpected trig point, towards the coast. We were walking through a gunnery training area here, lots of old military vehicles, faux railway tracks and pill boxes, a bit spooky but also so interesting and unusual, like a hidden world.
After making our way along the Coast Path for a few miles we came across Flower's Barrow an awesome early Iron-Age fort that was enlarged and fortified by the Romans, over looking Worbarrow Bay and the English Channel. We kept following the coast's undulating hills and cliffs, the views were always terrific. We eventually reached the steps taking us down to the Limestone ledge displaying the geologically important Fossil Forest. We spent a long time just picking through the Limestone, discovering fossils, investigating the burrs left by the algae where the Cyprus type trees once stood. Such a great place to spend time.
We than made our way over to Lulworth Cove, just to have a look, it is one of those beauty spots that has earnt its' accolade! After, we doubled back along the coast, but instead of walking back over Whiteways Hill we went down towards Worbarrow Beach and sat by the sea, eating pineapple....why not?
Our last stop of the day was the abandoned MOD village of Tyneham, a spot where time has stood still and is reputedly haunted. This lost village still has some of the original buildings and some have boards to explain who used to live there before it was taken over by the military in 1943, to help the war effort during WW2. It is a strange and eerie place, like a time capsule.
From the village the carpark is another mile or so, but again, the views back are stunning, it was almost a pleasure to struggle up another hill 😀
A great day.
Thank you for being here, all the best, Ceri & Kat!
/ teainvalhalla
/ teainvalhalla