On the Wareham bypass take the A351 for Swanage, and about one mile south of the roundabout where the A352 joins from Dorchester, turn off right (S.P. Creech etc). A straight section of about 2 miles is followed by a climb up side of hill within a dark wood. At the top of the hill, just past a picnic area, make a hairpin left turn,going downhill. Later pass sign for 'Steeple' then shortly turn right (S.P. Kimmeridge). There follows a wiggly road to the village, and you drive through the village to join a toll road. Turn right just before a large isolated house to see large carparking area ahead.

Leave the park by the southern corner and follow 'Quay' sign down steps to reach the slipway. Then up the steps (S.P. Coastal Path) to the tower - Clavells Folly. Then just follow the clifftop path for about 3 miles until you come to Houndstout Cliff (500 ft.).To make sure you get the full benefit of the climb, the path goes nearly down to sea level first. At the top is a stone seat facing west, where you can recuperate for a while and enjoy the view.

You then head North, over a stile and keeping close to stone wall on your right. There follows a pleasant, level (!) walk along green fields for about a mile. Then over a stile into Quarry Wood where you join a grassy track which later becomes a gravel road. Eventually come out on to a 'proper' road (G.R.954796) where you turn sharp left (Sign 'Encombe House). You soon come out into the open and are now heading due west. After about 1/2 mile reach parking area and information boards on your left, so turn in here between stone pillars, swing a little to the right and climb up the slope. Through a wooden gate then continue with Polar Wood on your right to swing round to the left to reach Swyre Head.

Another chance to rest (seats provided) and enjoy the views. To continue, head slightly west of north, passing the trig point and keeping close to a stone wall on your left. Your heading gradually swings round to north-west, and then its downhill to come out on to a minor road. Turn left and almost immediately reach T junction, where you cross the road to go over a stile (S.P. Kimmeridge), down grassy slope to enter the village by a path running down the left side of the Churchyard.

Walk through the village, and immediately beyond the last cottage on the right, go over a stile set back in the hedge. Turn right (S.P. Kimmeridge Bay) then over two more stiles to head roughly south along a very overgrown path (late June) for about 3/4 mile. You come out on to a tarred road where you turn left to enter the carpark at the western end.

Exiting the village I took the waymarked path to avoid going along the toll road. In the summer the path is badly overgrown with nettles all down one side, but this problem largely disappears once crops in adjacent fields have been harvested.

It may be useful to know that there is a cafe in the village which is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

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