KILIMANJARO, the Inca Trail... Worth Matravers?

Purbeck's rural charms are to feature alongside world famous wonders in a new BBC book.

Titled Unforgettable Walks, travel authors Clare Jones and Steve Watkins visited 24 countries and five continents to come up with the 30 routes to take on before you die.

And up there alongside the canals of Amsterdam and Yellowstone Park, USA, is the South West Coast Path.

Author and photographer Steve said: "Throughout a whole year of walking around the world, I was hard pressed to find anywhere that matched the natural drama and stunningly beautiful light along the South West Coast Path.

"You can't beat it for the sheer diversity of landscapes and the chance to experience some truly wild and beautiful coastal scenery.

"And you can do anything from a half-day walk to all 630 miles."

The South West Coast Path, which runs along Purbeck's World Heritage Jurassic Coast round to Minehead in Somerset, is one of only three British routes to make the cut.

Among Purbeck gems to feature in the book are Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Kimmeridge Bay.

Janette Ward, regional director of Natural England, said she wasn't at all surprised at the inclusion.

She said: "The South West Coast Path is a fabulous asset for those of us lucky enough to live here as well as for visitors.

"Where else can you walk along 630 miles of such superb coastline? The heritage, wildlife, geology and scenery along the way are truly inspirational."

On its journey around the peninsula of south west England, the coast path passes through five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 17 Heritage Coasts, a National Park, two World Heritage Sites, a Unesco Geopark and Britain's first Unesco Biosphere reserve.

The walks book is the latest in the popular Unforgettable book series, published by BBC Books.

Previous titles include Unforgettable Things to Do Before You Die and Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die.