Corfe Castle to Kingston and Houns-tout

The longest walk in Purbeck worth doing: 8.6 miles and 380 metres of climb in five hours, over Corfe Common to Kingston, out to the cliff edge at Houns-tout for the view down into Encombe, and back along the ridge. Mixed grass paths, estate tracks and two miles of quiet lane, with a steep pull out of Encombe valley and gates rather than stiles almost throughout. Start from the National Trust West Street car park in Corfe; arrive early or use the Norden park and ride, because Corfe’s parking is finished by mid-morning. Cattle and sheep graze most of the route so leads for long stretches, the Houns-tout edge is a sheer 150-metre drop, and there is a water bowl at the Scott Arms in Kingston, which takes dogs in the bar and garden.