There’s a new walk to experience with stunning views of the Purbeck coastline and best of all, it ends at the much loved Square and Compass pub at Worth Matravers in Dorset.
The purchase of Weston Farm by the National Trust opened up the possibility of increasing public access to the land and now the charity has created a new footpath – the first that anyone can remember in the area for a long time.
The new footpath marked in blue, continues down Bonvils Road to the sea and then joins the South West Coast Path. Take the path to Winspit Quarry and then return to Worth Matravers to complete the new Square and Compass loop
Square and Compass loop
The footpath, which links the village of Worth Matravers with the South West Coast Path via Bonvils Road, is a permissive right of way, which means that access is allowed by the landowner but is not legally protected.
The new route has created a perfect pub walk that can start and end at the Square and Compass in the centre of the village.
Previously, walkers had to go a much longer way round to do a Square and Compass loop, but now there’s a shorter, more straightforward route with the bonus of a new view across fields to the sea and back along the coast to the Anvil Lighthouse at Durlston.
Walk the new footpath
There’s no parking at the start of the footpath, so if driving, park at the Worth Matravers village car park or the Renscombe car park. Walk along Weston Road and then turn down Bonvils Road.
Go through the new gate on Bonvils Road
Take the right fork
Again take the path to the right (not through the gate)
Enjoy the great seaview to your left
Keep walking – watch out for hares!
Go through the double gates
Either descend down the steps to join the South West Coast Path or enjoy the view and then turn back. Turn left at the coast path and it leads to Winspit Quarry where you can head back towards Worth Matravers and the Square and Compass
Journeys end at the Square and Compass!
Rope and an adapted wheelbarrow contraption
The route is still naturally uneven in places and there is a steep path down towards the sea, however a team from Dorset Countryside Volunteers have cut steps into the slope to make it easier to navigate.
Dorset Countryside Volunteers (DCV), an independent group who undertake work associated with the countryside and conservation on behalf of charities and other organisations anywhere within the county, was founded in 1972.
Peter Warren from DCV said:
“This was an interesting project to take on. To create the steps we had to get 105 Purbeck stone steps, each weighing 40 to 60 kilos each, down to the coastline.
“We could use a vehicle for some of the way but had to use a rope and an adapted wheelbarrow contraption for the last bit. It was quite hard work!
“We don’t do this for any financial reward, just for the feelgood factor really. It’s the experience of all working together to achieve something and we can end up in some amazing, tucked away places.
“Even on a bank holiday weekend we can find ourselves in the peace and quiet of the countryside.
“Some of those working on the steps, certainly took advantage of the location in Worth Matravers and enjoyed a pint and a pasty in the Square and Compass!
“We have about 30 members and always welcome more people to come and join us of all ages and abilities. No experience is required and there’s lighter tasks for those who can’t manage heavier manual work.
“It’s very social, so some people just join us for a chat and to get out into the countryside on a weekend.”
The team from Dorset Countryside Volunteers used 105 stone steps from a local quarry
Hard but rewarding work
Fields have been returned to pasture
In March 2022, the National Trust purchased the 350 acre farm along with Winspit Quarry, with the aim of allowing the farm fields to return to nature, allowing species-rich grasslands, wildflower meadows, scrub and woodland to emerge.
Previously, nitrogen-based fertiliser had to be spread on the fields to achieve any sort of viable crop from the naturally low nutrient soil.
Now the fields are being returned to pasture with grazing cows and pigs on the land, which is increasing the biodiversity of this stunning part of the Purbeck Coast.
View from the path to Anvil Lighthouse at Durlston
Countryside manager for the National Trust Mark Singleton with the old sign that’s now been removed
“Really pleased to be removing the ‘private’ signs”
Countryside manager for the National Trust Mark Singleton said:
“Ever since the purchase of this land, following the retirement of the farmer, we’ve been looking at opening up access to the public.
“The National Trust is all about connecting people with nature, so making this route into a new public footpath was an obvious decision. We’re really pleased to be removing the ‘private’ signs.
“Anyone walking the path needs to be physically able as it is a rough track with a steep incline down towards the sea. Although you could just walk until you get to the steps, admire the view, turn around and then walk back the way you came, rather than walking down and joining the South West Coast Path.
“It opens up a new place to explore and the sea views and wildlife are really amazing here.
“There’s hares and deer, as well as birds like skylarks, yellow hammer, corn bunting and barn owls, while the wildflowers are attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies and beetles. And it will get even better and better over the next 20 years!”
Barn owls have been spotted at Weston Farm
Hares play in the fields
Further information
- Details about the new Weston Farm footpath
- More about the Dorset Countryside Volunteers
