YHA Swanage
-
Free parking on premises
-
WiFi
-
Cycle store
Social walk from YHA Swanage
Overview
Friday 3rd October 2025
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Duration: 3 hours
Led by: South West Coast Path Association
Discovery and connection
Starting from YHA Swanage we will walk up a gentle hill to join the South West Coast Path National Trail. The route takes us on a mix of paved and gravel surfaces to Durlston Country Park where tramper vehicles are available to hire (bookable in advance). There are some steep sections and steps to reach the lighthouse at Anvil Point, before we return via a paved road past the historic Quarr and on a woodland trail. After leaving the Country Park we will walk down a grassy hill to Peverill Point before returning to the hostel through Prince Albert Gardens and the Cancare Sanctuary Garden.
The route is not fully wheelchair accessible, but please contact us to let us know your access needs and we will do our best to adapt the walk so you can join as much of it as possible and meet us for a cuppa and cake at the end!
This is in partnership with YHA's Festival of Walking - view other social walks. Need accommodation? Save 20% on selected hostel stays during the festival.
What makes it special
- Breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife – maybe dolphins!
- Historic features like the stone globe, quarries and Anvil Point Lighthouse
- Free cuppa and cake at the finish
Date and time
Friday 3rd October 2025
Start: 13:00pm
Starting point: YHA Swanage
Price
It’s free to sign up for this event. We’re encouraging participants to make a voluntary donation to support our Breaks Programme, helping groups of young people and families facing challenging circumstances to access life-changing adventures in our hostels.
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Peveril Point self-guided walking route
A pleasant walk through Swanage to the seafront and Peveril Point headland, returning via the South West Coast Path.
Durlston Head and Dancing Ledge self-guided walking route
A great walk including a beautiful section of coast path with amazing views and interesting geological features.
Studland and Ailwood Down self-guided walking route
A scenic walk with a stunning section of the South West Coast Path, pretty heathland and picturesque views from the Purbeck Way.
Nordic social walk from YHA Swanage
Saturday 20th September 2025 Distance: 7 - 9 miles (12-15 km) Duration: 3 - 4 hours Led by: Steve Ellis, British Nordic Walking National Trainer Skills and confidence This circular walk on both...
Cycling in Swanage
Cycling is very popular in Dorset, thatched villages and quiet lanes make it easy to get off the beaten track and explore the tranquil terrain. Here the pace is leisurely and the going is easy. This...
Swanage
A friendly, colourful seaside town with an award winning beach, amazing chalk pillars of Old Harry's Rocks and a very English Victorian pier.
Mowlem Theatre
Opened in 1967, the Mowlem Theatre is situated on the sea front at Swanage and has over 200 film productions a year as well as 60-100 nights of live theatre.
Swanage Steam Railway
Explore the beautiful countryside around Swanage on the old steam trains that chuff along to Corfe Castle and beyond. Visit the website
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
One of the UK’s finest beaches and extensive nature reserve. Enid Blyton lived here, so look for Policeman Plod’s thatched cottage!
Corfe Castle
Uncover the secrets of Dorset's iconic medieval monument and discover how royalty, warfare and nature have shaped the castle.
Brownsea Island
The perfect day’s adventure, this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. The island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour, with...
Watersports in Swanage
In Poole Harbour you can try your hand at something less 'wet'...parasailing!
Arne Nature Reserve (RSPB)
A special landscape where you can enjoy the vast open heathland with an opportunity for bird watching. A fantastic place for family walks at any time of year. One of the few places in the UK where all...
Bournemouth
Serious shopping and entertainment centre. Tethered balloon flights, great beaches and top concerts throughout the year. Visit the Bournemouth website
Mountain Biking in Swanage
There are some great routes including Chalk Ridge between Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks, it's quite steep at first but suitable for all levels and there's stunning views on either side. Bike hire...
Monkey World
160 rescued and endangered apes and monkeys including chimps and orangutans. Talks throughout the day and Great Ape play area for kids. Visit the website