Route: St Alban’s Head
Area: Dorset
Date of walk: 16th July 2015
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 6.5 miles
Ascent: 900 feet
Weather: Mostly overcast and misty
We parked in the picture postcard village of Worth Matravers near the coastline of the Isle of Purbeck, but the weather was unpromising – low cloud and mist were obscuring the surrounding countryside. Based on this flimsy excuse, and in the hope that the weather would improve, we decided to have cream tea at the Tea & Supper Room – “Come and taste total gorgeousness in Rural Dorset” is the invitation, so we did
Many calories later we set off on our walk, but sadly it was still misty and as we walked towards the coast the views were poor. We arrived at Seacombe and joined the South West Coast Path, which we followed to St Alban’s Head, also known as St Aldhelm’s Head (both names are shown on the OS map)
When we arrived at the headland we went into the Lookout Station which overlooks the notorious St Alban’s Race, and watched with interest as the volunteer watchkeepers went about their duties. Visitors are welcome to the station, managed by National Coastwatch, a voluntary organisation which is dependent on donations – so if you follow in our footsteps please do as we did and make a contribution
After our visit we carried on round the headland following the coastal path, before turning inland just beyond Chapman’s Pool and from there walking back to Worth Matravers over agricultural land. The weather had improved by now but overall had been very disappointing and it was a shame we’d seen so little of the wonderful surrounding landscape
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
Before the start of the walk, a Little Egret hunting for breakfast in Christchurch Harbour
An hour later we arrive in Worth Matravers and walk past the village duck pond
The reward usually comes at the end of the walk, but today it came at the start - cream tea at The Tea & Supper Room
We walk out of the village
Leaving the village in the direction of Seacombe
We walk along chalkland valleys, reminiscent of the Yorkshire Wolds
Marbled White butterfly - there were hundreds of them along the way
A shame about the mist, and we wondered if we’d get any sea views
Seacombe Bottom
We join the South West Coast Path
Grasshopper
Seacombe Cliff
Herring Gull
Winspit Quarry, which once produced stone for major London buildings
Further along the coastal path
The choppy waters of the notorious St Alban’s Race - an underwater ledge makes this area hazardous for sailors
St Alban’s Head Lookout Station - the mist has descended, bringing an extra hazard to sailors in the area
One of the friendly volunteers of the National Coastwatch Institution
A long down and up to Emmetts Hill
At last the mist clears a little as we look along the coast towards Kimmeridge Ledges
Idyllic Chapman’s Pool, difficult to access from the land
A last look along the coastline before we head back inland
Walking back towards Worth Matravers
We arrive back in the village
The duck pond again - it had been an enjoyable walk despite the uninspiring weather
