Walk Away: Purbeck Paths & Dorset Coastal Trails

Combining coastal scenery, fascinating history, charming towns and all guided by an expert tour leader, explore historic Poole, elegant Swanage and the beautiful Isle of Purbeck on this exciting walking break.

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New for 2027 - Combining coastal scenery, fascinating history, charming towns and all guided by an expert tour leader, explore historic Poole, elegant Swanage and the beautiful Isle of Purbeck on this exciting walking break. Staying just yards away from Bournemouth’s seafront, this enjoyable holiday combines spectacular coastal scenery, rolling countryside, historic towns and gentle walks throughout.

INCLUDES

Return coach travel

5 nights half board

Escorted by a Tour Leader in resort

All local transport throughout

Blue Badge guided walking tours of Poole & Swanage

Walking excursions of Brownsea Island, Isle of Purbeck, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Hengistbury Head

Free time in Bournemouth

Walking Information

Generally easy countryside walking with gentle ups and downs over longer distances, allowing extra time for sightseeing and regular breaks.

We use a mix of privately hired vehicles, taxis, and public transport which gives us some flexibility in our itinerary.

All distances, height gains and timings can be found in the Tour Intinerary tab and are approximations.

Day 1

We travel by coach to Bournemouth and settle into our hotel, where you will be welcomed by your tour leader before enjoying dinner with your fellow walking companions.

Day 2

After breakfast, we take a local bus to Poole, where we meet our Blue Badge Guide for a morning walking tour of Old Poole, whose rich history dates back to Roman times. In the afternoon, we take the ferry from Poole Harbour and enjoy a walk around Brownsea Island, with outstanding views back towards the mainland. One of the island's best-known attractions is its colony of red squirrels, among the few still seen in southern England. Alternatively, you may wish to return to Bournemouth (1.5 hours/3.5 miles total walking, 50 metres total ascent/descent).

B, D

Day 3

We begin the day with a scenic journey to Corfe, home to one of the country's most picturesque castles, standing dramatically above the village. Travelling by hired transport gives us plenty of time to explore this charming setting at an easy pace. With time to visit the castle if you wish (entrance not included, free to National Trust members), you also walk above the village for superb views across the Isle of Purbeck. This afternoon, we continue with a walk up West Hill to enjoy fine views over Corfe and the surrounding Dorset hills. On our return to Bournemouth, those who wish can join the tour leader for an additional gentle walk exploring the town's chines - steep-sided dry river valleys leading down to the sea. The route is gentle underfoot and follows good paths (1 hour/2.5 miles total walking, 100 metres total ascent/descent).

B, D

Day 4

We make a slightly earlier start today to catch a local bus to Christchurch. Here, your tour leader introduces this intriguing town with an orientation walk. Later, we take a ferry across the River Stour to begin our walk across salt marshes and along the beach paths towards Hengistbury Head. A hill in the middle of the route offers, for those who choose to climb it, sweeping views along the coast from Swanage to the Isle of Wight. At the end of the walk, we take the ferry across the mouth of the Stour before returning to our hotel (2.5 hours/3.5 miles total walking, 35 metres total ascent/descent).

B, D

Day 5

Enjoy another day out today, this time to Swanage, a delightful slice of seaside Victoriana. One highlight is the seafront, with our Blue Badge Guide bringing Swanage's history and character to life. This afternoon, we take a gentle stroll onto the cliffs above the town for fine sea views, before returning to the hotel by public transport (2 hours/2.9 miles total walking, 110 metres total ascent/descent).

B, D

Day 6

After breakfast, we begin our journey home by coach, taking with us lasting memories of Dorset's coast, countryside and historic towns.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Hotel Collingwood 3* (Bournemouth)

Located just a 5-minute walk from Bournemouth Pier and the town’s award-winning sandy beach, Hotel Collingwood is a welcoming hotel in the heart of Bournemouth. The hotel features a modern restaurant and lounge bar, while leisure facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. Its central location also provides easy access to the Bournemouth International Centre, shops and seafront attractions.

Hotel Facilities

Lounge Bar
Restaurant
Lift
WiFi
Indoor Swimming Pool, Hot Tub & Sauna

Your Leader

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

We trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary as a foundation, adapting as needed based on factors like weather and group dynamics. Leaders may choose from additional options as well.

Leaders Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Group Size

We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Walk Away holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the group leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.

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JavaScript Information

The map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service. To check the price from your address either click your street on the map or enter your postcode or city/town and click the 'Check Price' button.

Please enter your postcode Check Price

Home Pick-up Pricing Key:

£100.00

£85.00

£55.00

£50.00

£40.00

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Alfreton	Bus Station, Hall Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BT
Arnold	High Street Bus Stop, Outside Leisure Centre Car Park, Arnold, NG5 7EE
Beeston	Lace Road, behind the Cricketers Pub Beeston, NG9 2LA
Bulwell	Aldi (Bus Stop SW12), Sellers Wood Drive, Bulwell, NG6 8GE
Chesterfield	Coach Station, Beckingham Way Chesterfield, S40 1TH
Derby	Bus Station, Bay 27 & 28, Derby, DE1 2AY
Heanor	Market Place, Wilmott Street (Market Square side) Heanor, DE75 7EG
Ilkeston	Wharncliffe Rd, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5GF
Leicester	St Margarets Bus Station, Stand SA, Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG
Leicester Fosse Park	Leicester Fosse Park, Bus Stop, Fosse Park Avenue Next to ASDA (opposite petrol station), LE3 2LL
Long Eaton	The Green, Outside The Butchers, Long Eaton, Notts, NG10 1HQ
Loughborough	Amber Rooms, The Rushes Loughborough, LE11 5BE
Lutterworth	George Street, Outside Wycliffe Rooms Lutterworth, LE17 4EG
Mansfield	Fire Station Bus Stop, Rosemary Street Mansfield, NG19 6AA
Nottingham	Mount Street, Alongside the Grosvenor Casino, Nottingham, NG1 6HE
Ripley	Market Place, Express Stand Ripley, DE5 3FJ
Rotherham	Interchange Bay C1/ C2, Frederick Street, Rotherham , S60 1QB
Sheffield	Pond Hill, Opposite Penny Black Public House Sheffield, S1 2BG
Toton	Tram Stop Park and Ride, Toton Lane Notts, NG9 7JA