The Tip of a Jurassic Coast Iceberg of Walking Opportunities!

Swanage is in the heart of the Walx HQ area and many activities start from here. Walx is a national and international community of walkers who aim to be healthy and happy. Meeting a changing group of people and the post walk socialising are equally as important as the treks and challenges...and pretty good fun too!

Anyone can join a Walx event at any time, all you have to do is pay a small fee online. The choice is huge and right now something is happening most days as we have a number of Instructors and Walx Leaders in the Swanage area.

Swanage Walx

We've highlighted a few of our walks below to give you a taster of what's on offer.

Victorian Walk

Starting from the Pier, the Victorian walk will follow the coast round past the National Coastguard lookout and up the steepish path to the top of the hill. This takes us past several Victorian landmarks which Walx leaders are always happy to talk about. Swanage was transformed by the railway and George Burt, the town’s greatest benefactor in the 1800s. Through his influence Swanage changed from a coastal town dominated by stone yards to the seaside resort we see today.

Swanage Seafront

Having enjoyed fabulous views of the town, the bay, Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of White we walk on to Burt’s, Durlston County Park. Recently restored with improved accessibility, the many pathways provide stunning seaside views, fantastic birdlife and access to rare flowers and butterflies.

The walk can vary in length to suit the group’s interests and fitness. At a minimum 2 miles with the first half up hill, it can extend up to 3 miles. This is the walk that occasionally results in a sighting of dolphins frolicking in the sea.

Swanage WalxThe café in the Park or on the Pier are favourite stops for a bit of cake and a chat. This is a walk most people can manage with the more experienced walker adding speed and more laps to increase the challenge.

Dancing Ledge

There are a range of longer options starting at the Country Park. These walks follow the coastline on towards Dancing Ledge. Dancing Ledge can also be reached from the Priest’s Way – a car free 3 mile track from Swanage to Worth Matravers.

Dancing Ledge is a choice destination for several reasons, climbers are frequently scaling the cliffs, coasteering is popular with Guides here and a small swimming pool in the rocks can be accessed when the tides and weather are benign. It’s also good for bird and orchid spotting. Puffins nest nearby so can be seen on the water on a good day!

Dancing Ledge near Langton Matravers, Dorset

Away from the coast there is another nature reserve and many routes back to the town. Walx Leaders will flex where we go and how far.

Ballard Down

At the other end of the town is Ballard Down, a steep ridge that separates Swanage from Studland and Poole Harbour. Again there are several ways on to the top with amazing views across the water to Brownsea Island.

Options include walking to Old Harry Rocks and on to Studland Village or heading inland towards Corfe Castle. Sometimes we catch the steam train back. If there is a local event we will often combine a walk with this – so far in 2023 we have joined the Cider Farm Wassail and the Blue Pool illuminations. The regulars also like to meet for yoga on the beach, sea swimming all year round, and a beach sauna.

Illuminate at Blue Pool

Anyone can join in by booking online. To see what is available when you visit, look at our website Walx.co.uk. Registration is quick and mainly focused on making sure your health and fitness levels are understood so we can maximise your experience with us.