Chapman’s Pool from Worth Matravers
This Jurassic Coast walk to Chapman’s Pool, near Worth Matravers provides the ‘wow’ factor. As soon as you climb over the first stile you are hit by the stunning view of Chapman’s Pool. On a clear day it is a struggle to take it all in; the immediate beauty of the bay itself, as well as the more distant view right along the coast to the Isle of Portland. This is the perfect Sunday afternoon stroll – work off lunch, take in the breath-taking landscape, end the day at the Square and Compass pub, in the nearby village of Worth Matravers.
Once you have taken in the panoramic views, head down to the cove, enjoying the dramatic landscape as you go. If you track the walk on the OS map, you will notice how much the landscape has changed over the years, due to landslides. The official footpath is long since disappeared under the mud, but a new track has been carved by the fishermen, locals and visitors, which will enable you to access the bay. As with many coves and beaches on the Isle of Purbeck, there are fossils to be explored on the beach. However, the Kimmeridge clay has left flat and fragile specimens, which are best observed but left in situ, due to their fragility.
Chapman’s Pool is worth the walk, offering a peaceful, wild location for an afternoon picnic and a dip in the sea, in the clear but deep waters. As it requires a little effort to reach the bluey grey waters and perfectly coved beach, its seclusion and remoteness means it is less visited than other, more accessible beaches. The flip-side is there are no toilet facilities, cafes or ice-cream stalls, which I promise you won’t miss, but bring your own provisions, including water, including for any dogs that might be joining you. This walk is completely dog friendly as there are rarely cattle grazing in the fields and it is mostly confined so that puppies won’t go astray. My dog, Mr Shadow, loved diving into the water of the cove as soon as he got to the shore, launching himself from the slipway, ready to fetch whatever was thrown for him to retrieve. If you are accompanied by a dog, they will love to swim, but just be aware that on rough days the waves can break quite high and the water is deep. Additionally, in the hot summer sunshine, it is difficult to find shade for dogs and small children – so bear this in mind before setting out for your walk. For humans, the element to be cautious of are the slippery and loose rocks, which can catch you out, before you suddenly find yourself sat on a wet, slimy surface!
Once you have enjoyed the bay, you have a choice of routes to return. Either go back the way you came, which will be essential in wet weather, to avoid the mud, or take the steep path to the right of the stream, in the middle of the beach, which will lead you to the other side of the valley. Once you have navigated your way out of the cove and up over the far side of the valley, you can reward yourself with a stop and look back at where you have come from – the bay looks beautiful from here and you have a remarkable view of the cliff at St Aldhelm’s head. Follow the wide, and surprisingly steep, track back to Renscombe Farm, before heading to Worth Matravers for a stop at the world famous Square and Compass pub. Charlie Newman, landlord at The Square, has an impressive collection of local fossils, which you can enjoy, rather than trying to collect your own. If you get the chance to sit outside at The Square, you can ponder your next walk with Isle Walk Purbeck…
2.3 miles
1 hour
509 ft
Fields and Beach
Yes - woof!
OS Grid Ref: SY 964 774
Latitude: 50° 35' 47" N
Longitude: 2° 3' 6" W
Elevation: 384ft
