How to walk up Hambury Tout from Lulworth Cove

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 trail to Durdle Door. It’s 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.

I discovered it whilst I was making my way up the very obvious trail over Hambury Tout on my way to the Door. Taking a look at my trail app, I noticed a second trail running slightly parallel to this one.

So later that day (after returning from Mupe Bay), I decided to investigate…..

Logistics

Map

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.

Head back to the 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. 

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For more walking ideas in Dorset you can find lots on the Visit Dorset website.