St Wite’s Well, Morcombelake

A natural shrine to the saint of Whitchurch Canonicorum

‍Highlights

• ‍‍Holy spring associated with St Wite

A mile south of St Wite’s medieval shrine, this pure little spring nestles in a grassy hillside. The water gathers in a stone basin, right next to the footpath. A tiny garden of flowers surrounds it, with a wooden enclosure to keep animals away. You can enter and sprinkle yourself with this holy water, cross yourself, or take some away. We risked a drink, and it tasted pure.

The well is first documented in 1630, when it was claimed that St Wite herself used to live beside it as a hermit. As with many holy wells, it is known for curing eye complaints. The National Trust, which manages the site, has placed a small sign alongside that refers to the link with St Wite’s shrine. It is visited by the Ways to Whitchurch Canonicorum pilgrim route.

Further along this stretch of coast, called Chesil Beach, stands an altogether different class of shrine, a chapel to St Catherine on a hill above Abbotsbury. A former monastic church built for monks going on retreat, it is dedicated somewhat incongruously to the patron saint of women in search of a husband. Access is now free to all in the summer months under the enlightened guardianship of English Heritage.

Directions‍

Start of path to St Wite’s Well: Ship Knapp, Morcombelake DT6 6EW

W3W: scary.conforms.slave

GPS: 50.7403N 2.8524W

The well is easily accessible but tricky to locate. Driving west along the A35, pass through Morcombelake and turn left when you reach the national speed limit sign, down Ship Knapp. Drive down this narrow lane for 130m and the track to the well is on your left, with a parking bay just after the turning. Walk along the track for 5 to 10 minutes, and you can’t miss the well on your right, next to the path.‍

St Catherine’s Chapel is on a hill above Abbotsbury, accessible from the SW Coastal Path.

W3W: rinses.duties.grant

GPS: 50.6616N 2.6061W