Long Distance
Walkers Association

The Dorset Doddle consists simply of the coastal path from Weymouth to Swanage. Anyone expecting a gentle stroll along the cliffs will be in for a shock, but the route has stunning views and is a true classic. The distance is about 32 miles, passing through the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site over some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in England, but including some tough climbs on the way.

The event will start at 9am from the Weymouth Esplanade close to the Jubilee Clock (GR SY681795). There is a 12-hour time limit for the walk.

The map covering the entire route is OL15, but this is not compulsory as it is almost impossible to get seriously lost. All checkpoints will offer drinks, and some will offer light snacks. Food will be provided at the finish. Entrants should bring their own mug for drinks, and it is strongly recommended to carry a water container and extra drinks if the weather is hot. A certificate will be given to all finishers and a badge will be on sale at the finish.

We lay on coaches from Swanage to Weymouth on the morning of the event at a cost of £6 in addition to the event entry fee. The coaches leave from the football ground car park at the top of De Moulham Road off Bonfields Avenue (GR SZ029799). To get there you go North out of the town centre along the beach. Bear left away from the beach up Ulwell Road. Take the second left in 200m on Seaward Road, and right into the car park. The first coach will leave after 7am when it is full, and the last coach will leave at 7:30am.

Registration will be in Weymouth from 8:00 am.

The finish will be at the All Saints Church Hall (GR SZ030801), about 200m North of the coach departure point at the junction of Ulwell Road and Redcliffe Road.

Accommodation information is available from Tourist Information, Swanage.

The entry fee is £6 for LDWA members and £11 for non-members. If you want the coach, that's another £6.

We will not accept entries on the day, and entries are limited to 300. Entry includes light food at all checkpoints, hot food at the finish, and a certificate for all finishers. Closing date for entries is August 12th, or earlier if the entry limit is reached (which it may well be). We will not operate a waiting list - when the entry limit is reached, that's it. For enquiries or, if you don't want to enter online, an entry form e-mail: hardy.annual@btinternet.com or phone 01305 267962. No route descriptions will be sent out before the event but will be provided on the day and may be downloaded from this site two weeks before the event.

You can enter online at SIEntries

Event Rules

1   Entrants agree to be bound by the rules; in all circumstances event officials’ decisions are final.
2   Minimum age for entrants is 15. Entrants below 18 must obtain parent’s consent and other conditions may apply.
3   Maximum time limits and checkpoint closing times will be enforced.
4   Entrants must follow the prescribed route (without mechanical assistance) and ensure their arrival at checkpoints is noted by marshals.
5   Dogs are not allowed.
6   Entrants should carry waterproofs, spare food and drink, and personal first aid items.
7   Entry fee will be refunded for cancellations prior to 31st July 2012.

FAQs

Can I get back from Swanage to Weymouth at the end of the walk?

Yes, but it's not straightforward. There is a regular hourly train service from Wareham to Weymouth. To get from Swanage to Wareham you either need a lift from a friend or another entrant - most people will pass the station anyway on their way home - or take the bus which leaves Swanage bus station every two hours or so and takes 40 minutes.

What happens if I retire?

Please retire at a checkpoint. We will provide transport from all checkpoints to the finish. You may have to wait until the checkpoint closes. If you retire somewhere else, please let us know and we won't look for you.

Do you take runners?

Yes. The fastest time last year was 5 hours 2 minutes. If you are planning to do it in this time or faster, you may beat the opening times of the checkpoints, so be prepared to carry some water. Apart from the checkpoints, the only places on the route where you can fill a water bottle are Osmington Mills, Lulworth and Kimmeridge.

Please remember THIS IS NOT A RACE.

Will you (Dorset LDWA) transport bags from the start to the finish?

No. You have to take them with you on the walk.