Walks And Walking – Dorset Walks – The Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival

Walks And Walking – Dorset Walks – The Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival

I have yet to venture down to Dorset for any walks just yet but I have been to Corfe Castle on many occasions when my brother was a chef at one of the hotels in the village many years ago. I remember visiting Swanage and Bournemouth whenever I was down from London for the weekend… very fond memories.

I was recently contacted about an event happening starting in April this year, The Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival. This is the third walking festival they have held and this year it runs from 28th April until 6th May and I’m already in negotiations with my wife to see if I can make it down and experience the Dorset end of the South West Coast Path and the hugely popular Jurassic Roller Coaster walking routes.

Walks And Walking – Dorest Walks – Corfe Castle

The walking festival has something for everyone and is suitable for walkers of any age and walking ability. Its popularity is due to the breathtaking scenery of the Dorset coastline, the opportunity to visit the picturesque Isle of Purbeck and the chance to roam along the beautiful Jurassic Coast over unspoiled heathland, through nature reserves and idyllic Dorset villages.

The area is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, and those taking part can expect to see some of the UK’s rarest species such as the Sikka Deer for example, as well as magnificent and iconic landmarks such as Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks. There is plenty of other activities for all of the family with a variety of experiences available from discounted trips on the Swanage Steam Railway, pub lunches or just sitting in a flower-filled meadow looking out to sea but fore the hardy walker the real sights along the walking routes are the outstanding views from Gadd Cliff Wobarrow and Portland.

Walks And Walking – Dorest Walks – Gadd Cliff Wobarrow and Portland

The walking festival is set to be as diverse as possible this coming year so you have plenty of options for whatever walking route you may choose to do. You can take a leisurely stroll for a mile and a half walk around Swanage, discovering the fascinating history of this beautiful Victorian seaside town or for the more active take the day out, with sixteen miles along the South West Coast Path on the infamous Jurassic Roller Coaster. Hopefully if I make it down I’m going straight for the South West Coastal Path and the Jurassic Roller Coaster whilst also making sure I get some great photographs of Chapmans Pool and Emmets Hill.

Walks And Walking – Dorset Walks – Chapmans Pool and Emmets Hill

Main Sponsor Oswald Bailey, the outdoor clothing and camping retailer, is once again supporting the festival and says:

“We are delighted to be involved with this popular event in the walking calendar once again, as a Dorset based family firm with 19 shops around the UK, the event totally encompasses the ethos of our brand. We want to encourage people to get outdoors to appreciate what our natural landscape has to offer and this event is the perfect way to do that.”

Festival organiser Andy Pedrick, commented:

“The festival is now well and truly established and it has proved tremendously popular, it’s a great way for everyone to explore the Purbeck’s, and learn about how special the area is. Next years programme will include events of special interest, such as photography, art and food, and family activities etc. It’s going to be fantastic.”

More details can be found on the Walking Festival website, www.walkswanage.com or for more information on Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck please visit www.VisitSwanage.com.

About Oswald Bailey:

Oswald Bailey Ltd. is a specialist retailer of camping equipment and outdoor leisure clothing and has been around for over 100 years (since 1906). It is among a small number of thriving ‘household name’ businesses to have remained a family concern for three generations. Now, Oswald Bailey offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of products both in stores and online for adventurous pursuits including walking, camping, skiing and family travel.