Dan posted an update
11 months ago (edited)
Swyre Head, Jurassic Coast Dorset
Mid-April 2025
This was my second camp on the cliff tops along the Jurassic Coast, and it didn’t disappoint. The weather took a turn when I arrived, with temperatures dropping, which meant I pretty much had the place to myself.
I wandered up to Bat’s Head to watch the sun set over White Nothe, then returned to Swyre Head to find a spot overlooking Durdle Door.
There were a few torch lights from people walking the path between Durdle Door and the car park, and a handful of people still on the beach. But unlike my first camp on Bat’s Head, there were no evening hill runners, so I was able to set up the bivi early.
The wind picked up during the night, and it rained—both of which I was expecting. What I wasn’t expecting was any kind of sunrise, let alone a colourful one. But the clouds broke just enough in the morning to give me a glimpse of a lovely red sky over Durdle Door.
I slept well and wasn’t disturbed at all during the night. I packed up early and headed back to the car.
Coordinates:
I forgot to plot my camp’s position, so these coordinates are pretty close to where I camped, but rough estimate.
GPS: SY 80052 80405
Google Maps:50°37’22.8″N 2°17’00.1″W
What3words: requires.clerk.quack
Getting there:
I hadn’t been over this way in two years, so I played it safe and parked in Wool village, where I knew there would be plenty of parking. Unfortunately, Wool is around 8 miles (12.8 km) from Swyre Head. I’ve since discovered there are a few closer options in the villages of West Chaldon, Chaldon Herring, and Winfrith Newburgh – all of which are much closer to the South West Coast Path than Wool.
Heads up:
Not much to report. In the colder months and when the weather turns, I know there won’t be many people heading this way – especially as the light fades. These hills take a bit of effort to reach, and most people aren’t willing to make the effort, or the bad weather puts off the others.
I camped on Bat’s Head a few years ago and saw a few evening hill runners, but this time there were no such issues.
I’m usually up at first light and gone before anyone appears on the cliff tops. I tend to head out via the inland paths, which are much quieter than the South West Coast Path.
Swyre Head and Bat’s Head are great spots for both sunset and sunrise. I wouldn’t camp here in the summer holidays, but at this time of year, the cliffs are surprisingly quiet.
The surrounding hills also offer pretty good visibility and a good view point in all directions – plenty of time to see if anyone is heading your way.
Very good mobile phone and internet reception.
#bivi #swcoastpath #swyrehead #dorset #wildcamp #jurassiccoast
