There are many places to visit in and around Swanage and because of its amazing views, one walk that we find ourselves revisiting is Heavens Gate and with Old Harry Rocks, St Aldhelms Head, Durlston, Studland and Swanage to compete that is high praise.
Heavens Gate is a spot (wooden bench) near Houns Tout that has the most spectacular views of the surrounding coast line. The beauty of it is in its height, Swyre Head is the highest point east of Weymouth and Heavens Gate is just west and is surprisingly easy to walk to if you don’t like hills.
If you drive to the village of Kingston and drive past the front door of the Scotts Arms pub and continue up West Street you end up at Swyre Head car park. From here you can walk a circular route from which you get full 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside and depending how long you want to admire the view can be completed in under an hour with only a fairly gentle climb.
If you are the more adventurous type then you could walk the South West Coast Path from Swanage and then walk up to Swyre Head, it’s a lovely walk but will take around 4 hours to get there so a full day if you walk back, although there are other options.
Poole Harbour, Wareham, Corfe Castle, Swanage are all visible to the east and north but as you approach Heavens Gate you can see the whole coastline stretch out. Kimmeridge Bay is immediately below you with views west of Lulworth, Weymouth and Portland and to the east Chapmans Pool and St Aldhelms Head.
Anyway, enough talking here are a few of the photos I have taken over the years for you to admire, they don’t really do it justice so just make sure to ask us about it when you stay and go see the views for yourselves.
