Join the coast path off Durlston Rd., Swanage, just past an electricity sub station at map reference 403215,077945.

     The section of the path known as "Pinecliff Walk" starting between two apartment blocks (the "Purbeck Heights"  and the "Durlston Cliff") on Belle Vue Rd., Swanage (Map reference 403418,078119) is no longer passable.  Due to the exceptional autumn rains in 2000 a large chunk of the cliff at Durlston Bay slumped on to the beach taking part of "Pinecliff Walk" with it.  I watched as large sections slid gracefully down.  Some trees remained standing upright to the very end.  Awesome power.

     The first section of this walk takes you to Durlston Castle (a folly built in late 1880's by George Burt as a restaurant).  If you are not a great walker this section nonetheless has many rewards.  Click on the thumbnails for a full sized picture  and more information.
     This section is officially known as the "Isle of Wight Rd."  It is leafy  and provided with benches overlooking the sea.
 
     The views are splendid.
 
     Durlston Castle has many fascinating features.  Here is a taste of what the building has to offer architecturally.
    The section from Durlston Castle to the lighthouse at Anvil point is a little more rugged.  This is especially so as you approach Anvil Point when the path descends into a valley  and then rises up again towards the lighthouse.  However, there is no need to go all the way as there is much to see before the path becomes more difficult.
     Tilly Whim caves are former quarry workings, which until they became unsafe were a popular tourist attraction.  Tilly is the name of the owner of the quarry  and a whim is a primitive crane used to lift stone blocks.
 
     The path skirts the top of the cliffs.  It is a common haunt of bird watchers  and at the appropriate season a lookout is maintained for passing dolphins.
 
      Wild flowers are one of my particular loves.  The Purbecks have a rich abundance.
 
      The Anvil Point lighthouse.