Stand in Dinosaur Footprints at Spyway, Swanage
No one believed me when I announced we were going on a mission to discover dinosaur footprints at a place called Spyway. Our mission took us through puddles, past a quarry and into some serious mud, finally ending at dinosaur footprints so enormous we could stand in them.
Priest’s Way
The walk to Keates Quarry and the dinosaur footprints is an easy 3/4 of a mile along paths with sea views.
When you leave the Spyway car park head towards the sea and then turn right onto Priest’s Way in the direction of Worth Matravers.
Keate’s Quarry
Along Priest’s Way you walk past a working quarry that is surrounded by stacks of stone. This is limestone from the local area, which has been quarried for centuries, building places like Corfe Castle and Westminster Abbey.
“Dinosaur Tracks” This Way
A little way after the quarry you come to a gate on the right with a picture of a dinosaur and “Dinosaur tracks” written on it.
Keates Quarry is then just a short walk across the field.
Be sure to bring wellies! It was very muddy when we visited and we had to make stepping stones to reach the gate.
Dinosaur Footprints
The fossilised dinosaur tracks are believed to have originally been made by Brachiosauruses walking on a lagoon’s beach.
Brachiosauruses were enormous plant eating dinosaurs that could grow to 30m long. They lived 145 million years ago at a time when Dorset was a tropical area covered in swamps, lagoons and forests.
We think we spotted baby dinosaur footprints too.
Dancing Ledge and the Cliffs
From the Spyway car park you can also walk towards the sea and cliffs and then either walk down the coastal paths or just enjoy the beautiful views.
I understand you can also see Dancing Ledge, which is an area of cliff that has been quarried into a flat ledge and has a rock pool that was created for local school children.
Scratched Arse Ware?
Sadly, we didn’t have time to explore the rest of Spyway and discover what Scratched Arse Ware is or see Dancing Ledge but I will update this post after our next visit.
Instead we drove for 20 minutes to Dorchester to see the Dinosaur Museum.
The Paths
When we visited, the paths ranged from smooth to muddy and bumpy. I used an all terrain buggy and think you might struggle with a normal buggy.
Further Information
Nearest Town: Swanage
County: Dorset
Nearest Postcode: BH19 3HG
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None
How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: I used an all terrain buggy without any problems, although I could not push it over the muddy fields. I think some of the paths might be too bumpy for a normal buggy.
Parking: There is medium sized car park.
Cost of Parking: Free
Wildlife You Might See: Seabirds like puffins, shags, guillemots and sea gulls, cows and insects.
Information Written: February 2020
Ratings
Our visit to the dinosaur footprints at Spyway in Swanage is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
-
Fun
-
Condition
-
Value
-
Would We Go Back
You May Also Like
Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
