Sunday 21st August 2022

Event Information

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 over some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in England, but including some tough climbs on the way. The time limit is 12 hours.

We lay on coaches from Swanage to Weymouth on the morning of the event.

For enquiries please e-mail Richard Lang at: dorset.ldwa.events@gmail.com

Start / Finish

The event starts from the Jubilee Clock on Weymouth Esplanade (GR SY681795). Registration opens at 8 am, and you can start when you are ready between 8.30 am and 9 am. The coaches from Swanage to Weymouth leave from the football ground car park at the top of De Moulham Road off Bonfields Avenue (GR SZ029799). Last coach leaves Swanage at 07.45 (sharp). To get to the car park 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 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.

Route 

Route Description is now available as a PDF file or as Word document.
Download the route as a GPX file. The GPX file is provided in support of the route description, the definitive descriptor of the route remains the written Route Description.
The map covering the entire route is OL15, but this is not compulsory as it is almost impossible to get seriously lost.

Checkpoints

All checkpoints will offer drinks, and some will offer light snacks, but you should carry your own food and drink. A meal (vegetarian) will be provided at the finish. If you have special dietary requirements, other than vegetarian, you should plan to carry your own food/drink as necessary.

Entrants should bring their own mug for drinks. (no disposable cups at checkpoints.) 

Entries

Entry is on-line only and opens at  SiEntries on Friday 15 April 2022 . The closing date for entries is Sunday 7 August 2022 (or sooner if full). Entries are limited to 250 with a waiting list once full. No entries on the day. Coach places must be pre-booked. Entries are not transferable. A certificate will be given to all finishers.

Entry: LDWA £10 - Non LDWA £20. Coach from Swanage to Weymouth £9.  

Event Disclaimer
1  You agree that you participate in the event at your own risk.

2  You understand that you are responsible for ensuring that you have undertaken the necessary preparation and training to participate in the event, that you are sufficiently fit and healthy to participate and that you will comply with all COVID laws and guidelines.

3  You understand that if you have a medical condition that would cause you to doubt whether you can participate in the event, then you will not do so unless you have sought medical advice to confirm your fitness to participate.

4  You will abide by the Countryside Code and understand that the Long Distance Walkers Association will not be held responsible or liable for any loss, damage, action, cost, expense, claim, injury, illness and in worst case scenario, death suffered as a result of your participation.

5  On entering the event, you assume full and complete responsibility for any injury, accident, costs, expenses, damages, losses and any other liabilities which may occur while you are travelling to and from the event and during the event.

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 16. Entrants below 18 must obtain parent’s consent and be accompanied by a named adult, and other conditions may apply.

3   The maximum time limit of 12 hours 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   No entries on the day. Entries are not transferable.

6   Dogs are not allowed

7   Entrants should carry waterproofs, spare food and drink, and personal first aid items.

Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy tries to be fair to both organisers and entrants. We incur costs from the moment of entry. However, we appreciate that entrants plan their events in advance and the unexpected does happen. Therefore, we will offer refunds less a £3 administration charge up to two weeks prior to the event. After that time, no refunds can be given.

Data Protection
Personal information submitted as part of this entry form will be held by the event organisers for a period of up to three years after the event is held for the purposes of managing this event only. I further understand that photographs are likely to be taken at the event, which may be featured in Strider magazine or on LDWA websites. In addition, Summary Information* may be published immediately and may be held in perpetuity for the purposes of providing a record of the event. You will have the right to request that all your personal summary information be anonymised.

*  Summary information is limited to the participant’s name, age, gender, postal town, email address, LDWA membership number, event name and date, distance covered, time recorded.

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, but you may have to wait until the checkpoint closes. If you retire somewhere other than a checkpoint, please let us know so we know that you have retired.

Do you take runners? Yes. The event has been completed in 4 hours 45 minutes. If you are planning to do it in this time or faster, you may beat the opening times of the checkpoints, so should carry extra water. Apart from the checkpoints, the only places on the route where you can get drinks are Lulworth, Kimmeridge and Durlston Castle. 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.