Corfe Castle to Kingston loop
Everyone visiting the Isle of Purbeck has Corfe Castle on their ‘holiday bucket list’, yet it is glimpsing such an iconic landmark ‘off the beaten track’ that brings the most joy. This route is perfect for a busy bank holiday when the sun is shining and the beaches will be packed with bucket and spaders. You’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of Corfe Common, a pint in the garden of the Scott Arms in Kingston, and a splendid rural walk with fabulous views of the castle and Purbeck Landscape.
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Park ‘underneath’ the castle, in a lay-by as you take the turning to Church Knowle and Kimmeridge. From here, head to the main road, turning left and left again, onto the footpath that tracks alongside the little stream and leads you around the base of the castle to a bridge. Cross the road and pick up the footpath on the other side, continuing ‘underneath’ the castle and along the stream, right up to the village.
The castle is imposing from this angle, looming above you, showing off its best fortress qualities as a castle that has stood the tests of time. William the Conqueror started building the castle in 1090 and as it was one of five royal castles its history includes stories of murder, imprisonment and torture. During the Civil War, by this time in the ownership of the Bankes family and having been unsuccessfully defended by Lady Bankes, the castle was blown up following an Act of Parliament. Corfe Castle’s village website is a good place to find out more about the history of the castle, as well and information about the modern day village community.
I love how there is a perfect gap in the chalk ridges, which line the Isle of Purbeck. This gap, which arose following erosion from a stream on either side, lends the castle its name, as in old English, the word ‘ceorfan’ means ‘cutting’.
You’ll soon arrive at Corfe Village, with its quintessentially English stone cottages, village shop and pubs. We’d recommend calling in at Dragon’s Bakery, if you are early, for a pasty or pastry. This has become a regular habit for us before heading out for a walk with picnic!
Next, head along West Street, with the memorial cross on your left and the wonderful Model Village on your right, walk out of the village as far as you can go, then pick up the tarmac track across the common. Cross a couple of cattle grids, walk past the beautiful farmhouse with the large pond and old water mill, then bear right then left up the hill to Kingston.
The path takes you on through a woodland and into the village of Kingston, where you might like to stop for a pint at the Scott Arms pub, whose garden has a wonderful view of Corfe Castle. When leaving the village walk a very short distance along the road, towards Langton, and turn left over a stile, just after the converted church, onto a footpath through a field.
Follow the path through several fields, enjoying the views of the castle and Purbeck Hills. Once you reach a small woodland area, pick your way through the trees, bearing left until you find the main track of the Purbeck Way. You’ll walk down to a stone house, over a little bridge, and back onto Corfe Common. Keep following the path back over the common to the village, where your walk will be complete with a visit to the Fox Inn, which has a beautiful garden with a fabulous view of the castle.
5.3 miles
2 hours
627ft
Fields and Paths
Yes - woof!
OS Grid Ref: SY 958 823
Latitude: 50° 38' 28" N
Longitude: 2° 3' 35" W
Elevation: 47ft
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