Update: Registration has now closed.
We are delighted to be able to offer another fundraising challenge – The Jurassic Coast Trek! You will walk approximately 25 miles along the beautiful coastal path from Lulworth to Studland. The undulating cliffs provide stunning views over the sea and surrounding landscape and offer a very worthy challenge! This challenge is organised by Different Travel – all information and support will be received directly through them.
The Jurassic Coast is located in the South of England and was England’s first natural World Heritage Site. It stretches 95 miles from Orcombe Point at Exmouth, East Devon to Old Harry Rocks at Studland, Dorset, with rocks dating back 185 million years. It is part of the much longer South West Coast Path trail, which covers a 630-mile route around the coastline of the South West peninsula. The Jurassic Coast area is a fossil hunter’s dream with dinosaur remains having been found here.
Acton Field Campsite – you’ll spend two nights camping at this friendly, family-run campsite with spectacular views over Swanage Bay, the Purbeck Hills and the Isle of Wight. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the campsite is the perfect mid-way base to explore this picturesque part of English coastline.
There is a registration fee of £95 payable by each person at the time of booking. Then you fundraise £460 for Communicare by 12 weeks before departure (fundraising option). This includes your £230 tour costs and a £230 donation to charity.
What is the experience like?
What is the terrain like?
The terrain is undulating with steep up and downhill sections. Almost all the route is on good grassy paths or stony trails. There are a few stretches walking along or near roads as you approach towns or areas of coastal diversion.
How tough is it?
This trek is graded challenging due to the steep and rugged terrain and many hours of walking but anyone who is reasonable fit can walk the Jurassic Coast path. You will trek approximately 25 miles taking around 10-12 hours. You need to be in good health and of good fitness with bucket loads of determination. If you are the sort of person who can dig deep and just doesn’t give up then this is for you.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be of a good fitness level before departure to have the best chance of completing the challenge. You should have done some UK hill walking in the recent past, and be prepared to take part in some hill walking in advance of this trek to ensure you have a good level of endurance, general cardiovascular fitness and strength for this type of terrain. This is not a gentle tourist hike; it is a challenging event.
Steep ascents and descents
Some of the ascents are very gradual and you barely notice that you are gaining height but there are some short, sharp, steep sections that really get the heart and lungs going. Knowing how to manage your pace as the incline changes is very important, especially keeping in mind that you can’t walk the same pace on steep ascents as you can on flat terrain. Maintaining a steady pace is more energy efficient than walking too fast and having to frequently stop to catch your breath. Frequent starting and stopping it is also a poor use of the body’s energy supplies and you will find
yourself far more fatigued by the end of the walk than if you took a gentler non-stop pace.
What really tests people are the sections where there is a steep descent. Some struggle with the worry of slipping but many more struggle with discomfort in their knees. Ensuring that you have good core, leg and glute strength is helpful for this challenge.
How should I train?
This is a tough endurance challenge so you must be able to walk for extended periods of time on challenging terrain. This challenge is not suitable for first-time walkers or people who have not trained. Hill walking is the best training for this challenge, so please walk as much as possible on hilly terrain, building up so you able maintain a steady pace all the way along your route with only a few brief rest stops. In addition to hill walking, you are recommended to work on strengthening your
legs, back and core muscles. Supplementary training may include speed walking, running, cycling, gym workouts, swimming, team sports, boot camps etc. If you do not train for this challenge, it’s possible you will not complete it.
Practical information
Who can participate?
The challenge can be undertaken by fit walkers aged 18+ (or 16+ if accompanied by an adult).
You must be at a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry), be in good health, have oodles of determination and a positive and flexible can-do attitude.
An ideal candidate would be someone who enjoys hill walking and wants to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
Where will we stay?
The rural campsite where we will stay features three hectares of gently sloping pastures with
incredible views over Swanage Bay. There are hot showers, toilets, phone charging points and
electric hook ups. There is a strict quiet time policy after 11pm and open fires are not permitted.
When do I need to arrive?
You must arrive at the campsite and have pitched your tent by 6pm in time for dinner and the trip briefing. Full details of the campsite and directions will be provided 6-8 weeks prior to departure.
Where can I park?
There is free parking available at the campsite right next to your tent so no heavy carrying of
camping equipment is required.
What should I bring?
For the challenge itself will need to wear comfortable walking boots (not trainers) and non-cotton clothing. You will be responsible for carrying your own lunch, drinking water, waterproofs and warm layers, sunglasses, basic first aid kit, sunscreen etc. You will also need to bring your own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries, towel etc.) for use at the campsite.
What about climate and conditions?
The weather in the UK is unpredictable and changeable so you must check the local weather forecast prior to arrival and pack accordingly. Typically, temperatures can range between 17°C and 26°C with average temperatures around 11°C. Nights are colder (down to around 1°C). Strong, cold winds are possible on some parts of the route. Please note it is possible to experience extreme deviations from the normal climate pattern and
very cold conditions are not impossible. Climate and weather conditions during the trip are out of our control. It is extremely important that you take responsibility to prepare yourself for all weather conditions during this challenge.
Medical declaration
We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be specified. All your medical details are treated in the strictest confidence.
The information will be securely screened by a qualified medical professional, and details provided to your tour manager and local guides so our staff are adequately informed and prepared to support you during the trip. By completing this booking form you are giving consent for us to contact you confidentially with any follow up questions regarding your health. If you declare any medical conditions you may be asked to provide more information, or we may request to contact your GP.
In the event that your medical issues at the time of booking represent a concern for your safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of others in the group, you may be recommended not to take part. If this happens your booking will not be confirmed and the deposit will be refunded. We must be informed if any conditions or medication change, or if new conditions develop. If necessary confirmation of fitness to travel from your GP or specialist may be required.
Please note that we will never unreasonably deny participation on a trip nor contravene the
Equality Act 2010.
Trip cost
There is a registration fee of £95 payable by each person at the time of booking. Then you can fundraise £460 for Communicare by 12 weeks before departure (fundraising option).
This includes your £230 tour costs and a £230 donation to charity.
Trip Includes:
✓ 2 nights pitch at campsite
✓ 2 evening meals, 2 packed lunch and 2
breakfasts
✓ Transport between campsite and walk
start/finish points
✓ UK walking guide
✓ UK Different Travel tour manager
Trip Does Not Include:
Personal expenses (e.g. extra snacks or
drinks in campsite etc.)
Transport to/from campsite
Travel insurance
Trekking kit
Tent
Camping equipment
Itinerary
Day 1 (Friday): Arrival
You should arrive at the campsite and pitch your tent no later than 6pm, so there is time for you to meet the group and have a challenge briefing over dinner.
Meals: Dinner.
Day 2 (Saturday): Lulworth Cove to Worth Matravers
After an early breakfast we set off by minibus to the starting point of our walk at Lulworth Cove.
Highlights today include crossing the Lulworth Range, looking out for ancient fossils, and if we’re lucky, even spotting a dolphin or two!
Today’s hike will end at Worth Matravers where a minibus will be waiting to transport us back to the campsite for a well-earned dinner.
Trek distance: Approx. 13 miles.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
Day 3 (Sunday): Worth Matravers to Studland
We transfer back to where we ended yesterday’s walk in Worth Matravers and continue along the coastal path in an easterly direction, passing stunning scenery to Swanage via Durlston Head and Old Harry Rocks before reaching Studland Bay. We transfer back to the campsite to pack up and head home.
Trek distance: Approx. 12 miles.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch
Suggested kit list
Clothing
Non-cotton underwear and socks
Non-cotton trek trousers
Non-cotton t-shirt
Non-cotton long sleeved warm layer
Hiking boots (well broken in)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Lightweight insulated jacket or warm fleece
Sun hat and warm hat
Gloves
Accessories
Portable battery pack for mobile phone (optional)
Camera (optional)
What food and drink do I need?
3 litres of water
Packed lunch and snacks
Electrolyte tablets (e.g. Nuun, High5 etc.) (optional)
What to carry?
Day pack (25 –35 litres)
Waterproof rucksack liner / dry bag
Mobile phone – fully charged
LED head torch with new batteries inside
Wallet with cash and credit/debit card(s)
Sunglasses
Toilet paper*
Nappy sacks or disposal bags to carry any used toilet paper*
Hand sanitizer
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Small, basic first aid kit (pain killers, blister plasters, plasters, your own personal medication)
Feminine hygiene products*
Small pack of baby wipes (optional)
Hiking poles (optional)
What to bring for camping?
A tent
Sleeping bag (warm enough for night temperatures possibly reaching 0°C)
Foam or inflatable sleeping mat (ideally both)
Sleeping bag liner
Towel
Toiletries (toothbrush*, toothpaste*, shower gel*, shampoo*, deodorant* etc.)
Cooking stove (optional)
Thermos flask / mug plus hot refreshment items e.g. tea, coffee, hot chocolate (optional)
PLEASE NOTE: This list is just a guideline and is not exhaustive; it does not account for your personal preference or requirements. You conduct your training walks with the same clothing and equipment you intend to use on the day of the challenge. If you have any questions about this list, please contact info@different-travel.com.
*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options such as those available from
https://littlefootprintgifts.weebly.com/eco-traveller.html