Hambury Tout is that big hill in Lulworth next to the car park, with a very obvious walking trail running across it. This is the big hill you walk across to reach Durdle Door.
Now, the trail to Durdle Door is very popular, but what is slightly less well trodden is a trail running alongside it. The one I’m going to talk to you about today.
You can use this trail as an alternative to walking to the famous Door if you want to do something different from the masses. Or if you have already been there, then this is a lovely short circular walk you can fit in whilst in Lulworth Cove.
I discovered it whilst I was making my way up the very obvious trail over Hambury Tout on my way to Durdle Door. Taking a look at my trail app, I noticed a second trail running slightly parallel to this one. I hadn’t noticed it, I mean, it didn’t look like anything else (other than this very obvious trail that I was on) was there.
So after my return from the Durdle Door, actually even later than that, after my return from the Lulworth Cove to Mupe Bay Circular hike I did after, I decided to investigate…..
Logistics for walking up Hambury Tout
- Distance: 1 mile
- Time: 30min
- Elevation: 449ft at the top
- Terrain: Grassy and muddy trails
- Difficulty: The walk up is a medium as it’s steep, but it’s very short and the whole walk is short so I am rating it easy/medium.
Map for the Lulworth Cove to Hamburg Tout circular walk
Click on the box in the corner to follow the trail (note: at the top of the hill, I came off the trail to the side to avoid the cows. When up there, you will see the trail goes straight ahead instead).
How to walk (off piste) up Hambury Tout
I made my way to the start of the main trail, which is apparently where this other off piste trail starts. And there you have it, it really was there, just to the right of the main trail. You need to be looking for it though to see it. It’s very well disguised.
Kind of kicking myself now that I didn’t take a photo to show you. That probably would have been really helpful.
So whilst a string of people were making their way along the main trail, I split away from them feeling smug that I had my own secret (not really secret, just less well known) route. For a little bit I was walking up with the main trail still visible, then as the hill got steeper, the main trail disappeared from view and I felt like I had the place all to myself.
That’s the thing, the main trail doesn’t actually go right over Hambury Tout, it kind of cuts across the side of it. This trail goes right over the top (and is slightly harder work).
Reaching the very top of Hambury Tout
The hard work pays off though, as the views from the top of Hambury Tout are stunning. You get a much better vantage point than from the main trail, with 360 degree views out to sea, along the rugged coastline and inland.
Descending off Hambury Tout
From the top, if you continue on straight and down the hill, you can join onto the trail that leads to Durdle Door. My plan was to head that way following the trail but turn back and around at the bottom, however some cows were in my way.
My fear of cows in open field is real, so I instead cut down the side of the hill. There was no trail here, just overgrown stuff. I proceeded to navigated the aggressive terrain, feeling very adventure women like (but also slightly less so because of my cow fear), until I reached the fence and trail running alongside it.
Heading back to Lulworth Cove
Whichever way you descend off Hambury Tout, once at the bottom, if you take a right turn, you can follow the trail around which will lead you back to Lulworth Cove.
Following the trail left and around will also take you back, but you will be on that main trail which we are avoiding on this walk.
This section can be quite muddy if it has been raining, so be prepared for your shoes to get a little dirty.
Other walks in Lulworth Cove
If you are reading this then you are most likely in Lulworth Cove right now. There are lots of nice walks you can do in the area, so what I recommend is using a hiking app which will show you all the trails, then go off an explore.
If you would like some guidance though, then I can help you. So far I have done a couple of other walks in the area (I’m planning to go back soon to do more), and I have written about them and provided an interactive map.
There is the walk to Durdle Door, which although can get quite busy, I highly recommend. Or you could try the circular hike to Mupe Bay. It is slightly more challenging, but the views are so worth it. Plus it’s less crowded than Durdle Door.
For more walking ideas in Dorset you can find lots on the Visit Dorset website.
2 comments
Hi that’s a great post, which hiking app do you use?
Hi Reshma, thank you! I use AllTrails. I have tried a bunch but I find this one really user friendly. It can show you routes other people have done nearby if you want guidance, but also shows you all the trails around you. This is how I plan my hikes, by seeing where all the trails are and planning a route to take.