Worth Matravers is a tiny hamlet located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. It is situated on St Aldhelms (St Albans) Head between Chapmans Pool and Dancing Ledge.

To travel by car from Lulworth, you drive to Corfe Castle, via the Range Road, if it is open, or else via Wareham. As you exit Corfe on the A351, heading towards Swanage, take the B3069 across Corfe Common towards Kingston. Follow this road and turn right towards Worth Matravers.

At the centre of the village you will find the 300 year old Square and Compass Inn, well known for its beer and pasties. The name of the pub is derived from the tools used by stone masons, the area being closely associated with Purbeck stone quarries and mines.

During the Second World War, RAF Worth Matravers was the epicentre of Britain's clandestine airborne radar research establishment, the pub being re-named the "Sine and Cosine" by the newly formed clientele of Boffins. Perhaps the local beer provided the essential inspiration for the development of RADAR.

Good Heavens Curruthers! Its the Sine and the Cosine, get another pint in. I'm sure there is a clue there somewhere.

To disguise the sudden success of the RAF night-fighters, with their newly invented RADAR, the Air Ministry initiated the rumour that "Cats Eyes Cunningham", more correctly known as Flight Lt. John Cunningham D.F.C, owed his exceptional night vision to his fondness for carrots.

This well known and undisputed "Fact" continued until well after the war and was oft used my many a mother:-
"Come on Jimmy eat up your carrots, they will help you see in the dark".

Personally, I think it was the beer at the Sine and Cosine, sold at an amazing 4p a pint. Sixty pints for £1 in old money, is enough to make your eyes pop out on stalks, a far more likely explanation for improved night vision!

The pub is an ideal start and end point for a walk along the coastal path around St Aldhelms Head. Ample parking space is available in the village car park located up the road from the pub.

The path takes you passed Chapman's Pool towards the Lookout Station and St Aldhelm's Chapel, a small norman chapel associated with Corfe Castle.

The coast path wends its way along the cliff tops towards the Winspit Mine workings. The Purbeck Stone was quarried here and sent by sea to Poole Harbour.

Dancing Ledge is a good place to rest your legs before you turn inland back to Worth Matravers. At Dancing Ledge you will see the tidal swimming pool, cut out of the rocks for the local school.