Kimmeridge, Steeple, Grange Arch and Ridgeway Hill
A Lovely Walk with Panoramic Views from the Purbeck Hills
The Isle of Purbeck is steeped in stories of smuggling, shipwrecks and failed commercial exploitation. Though its landscape bears a few scars from these latter ventures, its daunting sea cliffs and the absence of any major coastal haven for ships have helped to preserve its largely unspoilt and mainly agricultural character. The tiny village of Kimmeridge consists of a few stone cottages overlooking a treacherous bay which is surrounded by crumbling cliffs of bituminous shale. On Hen Cliff, to the east of the bay stands Clavell Tower. Built as a summer house in 1817 for the local squire, it is now derelict. On the opposite headland, though thankfully less conspicuous, is the site of Britain's first commercial oil well. The well has been in production since 1959. These features can be seen during the walk, as can a good view of the dramatic surrounding coastline.
