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Gad Cliff, Povington Hill & Tyneham

Jurassic Coast Walk

Region - Jurassic Coast

County/Area - Dorset

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km    Ascent - 1200 feet / 364 metres

Time - 3 hours 30 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Gad Cliff, Povington Hill & Tyneham
Click image to see photo description.

This energetic walk offers exceptional coastal views and starts from car park in the deserted village of Tyneham (Grid ref. SY882802). Tyneham was evacuated in 1943 prior to D-Day and the villagers were never allowed back. There is also a small museum.

From the car park walk south to Tyneham Farm and take the ascending track and path south to the top of Gad Cliff (grid ref. SY884796). You immediately have a wonderful coastal panorama along the Dorset Coast. Turn right onto the South West Coast Path with the sea to your left. The path descends slowly at first before dropping more steeply down to Warbarrow Bay.

Like all coastal walking the path follows a switchback and you soon start to climb again to the ancient hill fort of Flower?s Barrow (grid ref. SY864805). At this point we are going to turn right inland to Whiteway Hill but before doing so it's worth walking a short way west to enjoy the view along the coast towards Lulworth.

Take the signed path along the ridge eastwards to Whiteway Hill (grid ref. SY876809). Continue in the same direction towards the next summit along the ridge, Povington Hill, descending to reach a road (grid ref. SY881810). Follow the path to Povington Hill (grid ref. SY887811) which offers a wonderful panorama.

Having enjoyed the view, retrace your route along the ridge path bearing left downhill on a signed track at grid ref. SY881810 towards Tyneham village. The descent is gentle and you have a good view of the remains of the village below. Walk through the village to return to the car park.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1331 Kimmeridge & Tynehameasy/mod6.8 miles
Walk 1534 Swyre Head & Tyneham Cap from Kimmeridgemoderate11.8 miles
Walk 1995 Houns-tout & Swyre Head from Kimmeridgemoderate8.7 miles
Walk 1004 Durdle Door & Lulworth Coveeasy2.5 miles
Walk 1329 Durdle Door & White Nothe from Lulworth Covemoderate7.0 miles
Walk 3389 Bindon Hill and the Fossil Forest from Lulwortheasy/mod4.0 miles
Walk 2145 Houns-tout Cliff from Kingstoneasy3.5 miles
Walk 2925 St Aldhelm's Head near Worth Matravers easy4.1 miles
Walk 3286 Dancing Ledge & Durlston Head from Langton Matraverseasy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 2575 Durdle Door & Lulworth Covemoderate10.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Walking the Jurassic Coast

Walking the Jurassic CoastThis guidebook includes 30 walks on the Jurassic Coast of Devon and Dorset. Covering the coast between Exmouth and Bournemouth, these delightful routes range from 3 to 16 miles (5 to 24km), exploring and explaining the spectacular geology of this World Heritage area with clear, easily understood descriptions, cross-sections and timelines.
More information

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast PathGuidebook to walking the entire South West Coast Path National Trail. The route runs for 630 miles from Minehead to Poole along the north Devon, Cornish, south Devon and Dorset coastline. Divided into 45 stages, this long-distance coastal trek could be completed within 4 weeks, or walked in sections. Guide includes maps and essential information.
More information

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