Rodden and Langton Herring from Abbotsbury

A Dorset walk that explores the pleasant landscape to the east of the pretty village of Abbotsbury. The ropute includes a section of the South West Coast path including a potion along the shores of West Fleet, the lagoon behind Chesil Beach.

Technical sheet

293248
A Abbotsbury walk posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 27/07/16
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.65 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 4h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 198 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 200 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 77 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1 m
  • ⚐
    District: Abbotsbury 
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 50.665637° / W 2.597722°

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Description

(S/E) After parking exit the car park and turn right along the B3157. Continue along this road for about 600 metres to reach a signed bridleway on your right (grid ref. SY583851). Follow this clear route - The Ridge Bridleway - and continue east to West Elworth which is reached in about a mile. Reaching the lane through this hamlet (grid ref. SY597847) turn right and continue along the lane for just over 300 metres. Turn left onto the continuation of the Ridge Bridleway and continue to a lane at Rodden (grid ref. SY610842).

(1) Turn right down the lane and then take the first footpath on the left (grid ref. SY609841). This path leads across pastures in a shallow valley to a lane (grid ref. SY609832). Turn right down the lane and continue into the centre of Langton Herring. Turn right down Shop Lane, passing the parish church on your right, and locate the footpath (an enclosed track) that heads south towards the sea. Reaching the northern edge of Under Edge Planation bear left and stay on the track which runs alongside the eastern edge of this woodland.

(2) Reaching the shores of West Fleet (grid ref. SY615813), turn right onto the South West Coast Path. To your left across the lagoon is Chesil Beach. The South West Coast Path is well signed and this is followed all the way back to Abbotsbury. Despite its name this long distance footpath does not follow the coast on this section turning inland around the Perimeter of Wkye Wood before climbing onto a ridge running west between Merry Hill and Linton Hill. This section offers some fine views south to Chesil Beach and the English Channel.

(3) Reaching a lane (grid ref. SY579846) close to Horsepool Farm, bear right and then in a short distance leave the lane and continue following the South West Coast Path as it passes beneath the eastern slopes of Chapel Hill on your left. If you have enough energy, then then the short climb up to St Catherine's Chapel is worth the effort. Whatever your choice, continue north the short distance back to Abbotsbury and some well-earned refreshment. Also remember to aloow time to explore the village which is full of interest(S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 45 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 3.62 - alt. 24 m - Rodden, turn right
  3. 2 : km 7 - alt. 2 m - Turn right
  4. 3 : km 13.44 - alt. 14 m - Bear right
  5. S/E : km 14.65 - alt. 44 m

Useful Information

The pretty Dorset village of Abbotsbury provides a perfect starting point for this walk. There is a pay and display car park on the south side of the B3157 just east of the village centre (grid ref. SY579852). Refreshments are available in Abbotsbury and there is a pub in Langton Herring (check opening hours before starting).

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 1 review

Clarity of route description
4 / 5
Clarity of route map
4 / 5
Walk interest
5 / 5
Mark Greenstock
Mark Greenstock

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : 04/07/21
Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I don't have a gps or iPhone so rely on map, compass and printed directions. I just have typographical suggestions for your directions. In the paragraph 'Description (1)' line 6 it should read 'Under Cross Plantation'. In 'Description (2)' line 3 it should read 'the perimeter of Wyke Wood'. In 'Description (3)', 'then' is repeated in line 3 and line 4 'allow' is misspelt.

Sorry - been a teacher in a past incarnation and I notice typos!

Otherwise, an excellent walk.

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