Dan posted an update
a year ago (edited)
Jurassic Coast, Dorset: Nortent Skjul Bivvi Camp
Early May 2025
This was my third time camping along this stretch of chalk cliff tops of this stunning stretch of coastline.
There are plenty of large, grassy areas along this cliff top. I set up the bivvi and settled down. I twice heard a stamping sound. The second time, I looked out and saw the silhouette of a large deer – that wasn’t on the cliff tops, but in a field.
I then spotted a torch light moving along the cliffs. It turned out to be a runner with a head torch, passing by around 11 p.m. I was totally visible in the near full moon and the runner’s light shone directly at me. They carried on without stopping and the rest of the night was peaceful and breezy, with a clear sky and beautiful views in the moonlight.
Tonight’s spot is right along the South West Coast Path, so it’s easily accessible both from the inland route I took and from the east and west along the cliff tops.
Heads up:
This is the third time I’ve camped along this section of the coast and it’s the first time I’ve encountered anyone at night. While waiting during a previous trip, a few late evening hill runners passed by, but it wasn’t especially dark and I hadn’t set up yet.
A few weeks ago, I camped close it was a bank holiday but the weather wasn’t great, which I think helped keep people away. This time, the weather was windy but not bad enough to put everyone off.
I only camp along this stretch at certain times of year. I avoid it completely during the summer holidays, along with any of the Dorset coast and the Purbeck Hills, because of the high number of visitors. The busy hotspots of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are nearby and the South West Coast Path is always popular in the summer months.
One advantage of these hills is that it takes a certain type of person to tackle the ups and downs, as they’re quite strenuous in places and require a certain level of fitness. The hills also offer good viewpoints and usually enough visibility and warning if anyone is approaching.
#dorset #southwestcoastpath #swcoastpath #bivvicamp #jurassiccoast #nortentskjul
2 Comments
More free parking which is closer. Address and coordinates: 3-5 Chydyok Rd Chaldon Herring, Dorchester DT2 8DL
50°38’55.2″N 2°17’42.6″W
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