Tyneham & Flower's Barrow

This challenging coastal walk rewards Edward Griffiths with exhilarating views over Worbarrow Bay. He also visits a ghost village whose residents were evacuated in 1943

- Edward Griffiths

ONE of the South West Coast Path’s steepest climbs leads from Worbarrow Bay to Flower’s Barrow, an Iron Age hill fort on Rings Hill. However, before tackling this, we have a lesser ‘practice’ ascent from Tyneham village to Gad Cliff before an easy stroll with exhilarating views of Worbarrow Bay. The colourful cliffs of Worbarrow Bay are formed of the orange, yellow and brown sands and clays of the Wealden beds, all contrasting with the bright white chalk and light-grey limestone either side. The south side of Flower’s Barrow is steadily being devoured by the sea’s attacks on the Upper Chalk ridge which runs all the way to Old Harry Rocks beyond Swanage. The path over Whiteway Hill to Povington Hill provides the more gentle part of this walk. From Povington Hill viewpoint, there are outstanding views to Corfe Castle and all along the coast to St Aldhelm’s Head.

THE WALK