Home > Walk – Dancing Ledge & Langton Matravers

Walk – Dancing Ledge & Langton Matravers

Distance: 4.9 miles (7.9 km)
Start Point: Spyway Car Park, Durnford Drove, BH19 3HG
Difficulty: Challenging – Includes steep hills, stiles, and possibly muddy footpaths. Good walking shoes recommended.

Meadows, Quarries and Coastal Views

This circular walk near Langton Matravers offers a beautiful mix of countryside and coast. The route winds through chalk grasslands and hay meadows, full of wildflowers in spring, with the chance to spot puffins offshore, bats in caves, and sometimes even dolphins in the water below.

You’ll pass the famous Dancing Ledge, a flat rock ledge at the base of the cliffs once used by quarrymen to load limestone onto ships. Fossils can be found in the quarried rock, and the surrounding cliffs hold layers of history — both natural and human-made. Ancient paths and dry-stone boundaries line the way, some dating back hundreds of years.

The landscape is especially vivid in spring, with flower-covered slopes and rich birdlife. This walk is a rewarding choice for those who enjoy a mix of natural beauty and historic atmosphere.

Where to Stay Near the Path

Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a walking holiday, the area around Langton Matravers and Swanage offers a variety of places to stay:

🏕️ Camping

  • Tom’s Field Campsite & Shop – A classic rural campsite on the Isle of Purbeck, just 20 minutes’ walk from the Coast Path and Dancing Ledge.
    📞 01929 427110

🏡 B&Bs and Guesthouses

  • Millbrook Guest House – Long-running, family-owned B&B in Swanage, perfect for visitors exploring the South West Coast Path.
    📞 01929 423443
  • Chiltern Lodge – A peaceful detached home in Worth Matravers, ideal for relaxing or heading straight out on foot to the cliffs.
    📞 01929 439337

Things to Do Nearby

Add to your adventure with these local highlights:

  • Durlston Country Park & National Nature Reserve – Explore the Victorian-era Durlston Castle and discover walking trails through rare wildlife habitats full of butterflies, seabirds, and native plants.
  • Swanage Information Centre – Stop by for trail maps, ideas for other walks, and help planning your visit to the Purbeck coast. Friendly staff and dog-friendly too. 📞 01929 766018
  • NCI Swanage – A lookout post with information about the local coastline and maritime safety. 📞 01929 422596