ray-harrington-sveAViySmLA-unsplash.jpg
benjamin-elliott-_5QIk9dtT9U-unsplash.jpg
benjamin-elliott-tsDlCeWr0m8-unsplash.jpg
graham-pengelly-yyH95Gx_Fqc-unsplash.jpg
liam-charmer-Df7O_rumJ6g-unsplash.jpg
bill-eccles-UE9SmLWGP8o-unsplash.jpg

Dorset Walking Weekend - Swanage

A guided sociable walking weekend exploring glorious Dorset from our coastal base in Swanage.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 40
Level: Leisurely Plus and Active walks on offer
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a nutshell:

  • Enjoy the accommodation’s hill top location just minutes from a sandy beach. 

  • Choose from leisurely strolls or more active walking options. 

  • Admire Dorset’s delights – ancient castles, dramatic cliffs and rolling hills. 

  • Relax in the company of a friendly group of fellow walkers.

Collections: Weekend Adventures :

 

We are not currently offering this walk.

If you would like to organise your own private walk we can arrange this via our Hire a Guide service. Details can be found here…

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Our hostel accommodation is a grand Victorian villa on a hill top which provides a lovely base for our coastal getaway, particularly with the views across to Swanage Bay. 

Feel free to arrive anytime from 5pm onwards by which time our Large Outdoors host will be gearing up for the weekend ahead and will help you settle in. 

No doubt people will gravitate either towards the oak panelled living room or wander outside to take in the views while they get to know each other and before we sit down for dinner at 8pm. While we eat, we will go through the format for the next few days including the walk options to give you time to mull over which one you would like to join.

Day 2

After tucking into a breakfast, we pack up lunch and then head out the door. There will be at least two walk options on offer – one a leisurely stroll as well as a more active options – which all make the most of Dorset’s stunning landscape. 

After all, we have the South West Coast Path and the Isle of Purbeck close by with numerous possibilities for exploration. There’s the spectacular chalk coastline which has been gouged and carved out by the sea for centuries to provide plenty of natural sculpted wonders, as well as bird-rich moorland, rolling hills and plenty of ancient history on tap.  

Once back at the hostel, there will be cups of tea on the go as people slip into one of the comfy chairs to relax and enjoy a bit of downtime. 

We then prepare dinner and have a long leisurely meal stretching into the evening, accompanied by plenty of banter!

Day 3

The morning begins the same and then we don the walking boots and set out to explore more of the coastline (one option might be a leisurely walk to a nature reserve). 

Alternatively we might head further inland to see the spectacular setting of Corfe Castle. Again the options will enable people to have an easier day or another good yomp. 

Today we tend to finish walking slightly earlier, around lunchtime, to have one final meal together in a pub or café before we head our separate ways home.

Good to Know

  • Meeting Time: from 5pm
    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:

    YHA Swanage
    Cluny
    Cluny Crescent
    Swanage
    Dorset
    BH19 2BS

    Parking: There is parking available at the hostel - the car park is accessed via St Vasts Rd.

    Public Transport: YHA Swanage is located 11.4 miles from Wareham Train Station, with services to/from London Waterloo and Weymouth.
    Bus services are available to/from Poole and Bournemouth.

  • We have exclusive use of the YHA Swanage, an elegant Victorian villa converted into a hostel. It boasts fine views across Swanage Bay, located on a steep hill just outside the small seaside town of Swanage. Wi-Fi is available.

    Accommodation Address:
    YHA Swanage
    Cluny
    Cluny Crescent
    Swanage
    Dorset
    BH19 2BS

    Room Types:
    There are Shared Rooms (you’ll be sharing a single-sex dorm room with other participants), as well as Twin Rooms at this hostel. You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room
    Twin Room (Bunk Beds) - sleeps up to 2 participants

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ accommodation at YHA Swanage - we have taken over exclusive use of the hostel, so it will just be Large Outdoors participants staying.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks on two days (Saturday and Sunday).

    • Home-cooked set menu 2-course dinners at the accommodation on both evenings.

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).

    • A DIY packed lunch for Saturday’s walk.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not Included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Travel from the accommodation to the walk start points and back, where walks don’t start from the door.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.
    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

  • What level of fitness is needed? This trip is rated as both Leisurely Plus and Active, so we will have a choice of walks on offer each day.

    Can I attend on my own? Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me? Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian, vegan, and/or provide meals with gluten free ingredients - these options can be selected when booking.
    Please see our FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    What transport is provided during this trip? We do not provide any transport for this experience.

    Can I bring my dog? Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog on an experience, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.