The Jurassic Coast, with its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking geological formations, offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. One of the most exciting ways to experience this dramatic coastline is by combining packrafting and hiking.
This blog post covers a unique journey from Ringstead Bay to the famous natural limestone arch a Durdle Door, before walking back along the South West Coast Path.
Starting Point: Ringstead Bay
Ringstead Bay, located near the village of Osmington in Dorset, is an ideal spot to launch your packrafting adventure. With its quiet, shingle beach and crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect place to start paddling. You'll need to park in the National Trust car park at Ringstead (PayByPhone, carpark code 806351. A full day is £6 as of August 2024) and walk down to the beach. This section of the walk is completely downhill, takes about 10 minutes and provides panoramic views of the sea you are about to explore.
Setting Off:
After inflating your packraft, you’ll begin paddling westward along the coastline. As always be cautious of tides, as they can affect launching and landing conditions. For more information read our blog of ‘The Best Tide Conditions For Coastal Packrafting.’
Once safely on the water, the journey will take you past impressive cliffs, hidden coves, and beautiful rock formations. The coastline between Ringstead Bay and Durdle Door is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast, making it a visual feast for those who love geology or simply the beauty of coastal landscapes.
Key Highlights Along the Way:
1. White Nothe Cliffs – Just west of Ringstead Bay, you'll pass the towering chalk cliffs of White Nothe. These cliffs are a distinctive white colour and are home to rare plants and birds.
2. Smugglers Paths- Old smuggler paths can still be seen from the water, leading up the cliffs toward isolated villages.
3. Bat's Head – As you paddle, you’ll come across Bat's Head, another striking
limestone arch. This natural feature is smaller than Durdle Door but equally
impressive and a great prelude to your final destination.
Arriving at Durdle Door:
After about 1.5 hours of paddling (depending on conditions), you'll approach Durdle Door, the iconic natural limestone arch that has been a landmark for centuries. Paddle through the arch for a truly memorable experience, and feel free to take a break on the nearby shingle beach to enjoy the view.
Hiking Back: The South West Coast Path
Once you’ve packed away your raft, it’s time to switch gears and start your hike back along the South West Coast Path, a well-marked trail that will take you back to Ringstead Bay.
Practical Information:
● Total Distance: The packrafting portion covers approximately 4 miles (6.4km), while the hike back along the coastal path is about 5.5 miles (9 km).
● Difficulty: Moderate. The packrafting section requires some paddling experience, especially if the sea is rough. The coastal path involves some steep ascents and descents.
● Time Needed: You can expect the full journey to take between 5-6 hours, depending on weather conditions, your pace, and how long you spend enjoying Durdle Door and other landmarks.
● Best Time to Go: Late spring to early autumn offers the best weather for this adventure, with calmer seas for packrafting and pleasant temperatures for hiking. Aim for a day with little wind for smoother paddling, always check sea and weather conditions before heading out!
● Gear: Bring a lightweight packraft, paddle, dry bags, appropriate clothing for both paddling and hiking, sun protection, plenty of water, and snacks. Also, ensure you have a sturdy pair of shoes for the hike back.
Packrafting from Ringstead Bay to Durdle Door and hiking back on the coastal path is a unique way to avoid the typical tourist car park that during summer time and school holidays can be a game of tetris. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or just looking to try something new, this route is sure to leave you with some tranquil time to unwind and views to last a lifetime.
