{"id":21883,"date":"2022-12-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=21883"},"modified":"2022-12-15T09:55:21","modified_gmt":"2022-12-15T08:55:21","slug":"dorset-dreamscape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/2022\/12\/14\/dorset-dreamscape\/","title":{"rendered":"Dorset dreamscape"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
WALK: <\/strong>Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks, Dorset <\/h5>\n\n

Dorset dreamscape<\/h2>\n\n

The National Trust looks after 780 miles of coastline and more than 500 historic buildings, monuments, gardens and nature reserves. Fi <\/strong>Darby <\/strong>explores what makes these sites so important to us, before revealing her favourite winter walk <\/p>\n\n

\"\"
The golden dune grasses that back Studland Bay are just one of many highlights on this National Trust walk from Knoll Beach to the statuesque Old Harry Rocks (seen here in the distance)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

For most of us, the National Trust and National Trust for Scotland are synonymous with beautiful buildings, manicured gardens and delicious cream teas, but it\u2019s sometimes easy to forget that both charities are also the custodians of many of our most treasured outdoor spaces. <\/p>\n\n

From precious uplands, through ancient woodlands, to exceptional coastlines and wildlife-rich wetlands, the National Trust (NT) and National Trust for Scotland (NTS) care for \u2013 and make accessible \u2013 over 3,000 hectares of countryside and hundreds of miles of coastline. NT-managed landscapes enable us to walk mountain ridges follow meandering rivers, and wander along lonely beaches, unlocking the history of our landscapes, and understanding their conservation as we go. <\/p>\n\n

COLD-SEASON WANDERS <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

It\u2019s just as important for us to get outside over the winter months as it is during the summer but with shorter days and inclement weather, winter access to the outdoors can be problematic, especially if you\u2019re entertaining the whole family. Both the NT and the NTS have put a lot of thought and experience into this, and their well-maintained, waymarked paths, accessible trails and information boards can make the difference between a plodding ramble and an exciting exploration. And as for their caf\u00e9s? Well, there\u2019s nothing like a hearty bowl of soup, or hot chocolate and cake, to put a smile back on the face of even the soggiest of walkers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Whether you love striding out on long-distance walks, ambling around landscaped gardens or enjoying something in-between, our National Trusts have a winter walk to suit you. Remember to plan accordingly for shorter days and lower temperatures. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"
End your walk with a hot drink at the National Trust\u2019s Knoll Beach Caf\u00e9 <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
TRUSTY HIGHLIGHTS <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Watch starlings dance their sunset murmuration around the Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire, or perhaps spot seals at Strangford Lough in County Down. Snowdrops are a National Trust favourite and will remind you spring is coming; photograph the early coastal blooms at Coleton Fishacre in Devon or find carpets of white on Bodnant Garden\u2019s Winter Garden Walk in the Conwy Valley.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Long winter walks can push off those cold-weather blues. Enjoy windy views from the top of the Long Mynd above Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire or hike out for a night in a mountain bothy at the Mar Lodge Estate Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms. For shoreline adventures, few days out can beat a walk along Dorset\u2019s south coast, where sandy beaches and dynamic dunes sit snuggly beside chalky cliffs and dramatic sea stacks. <\/p>\n\n

BAY, ROCK AND DOWN <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

It\u2019s small wonder that Studland Bay is visited by millions each year. This sandy peninsula is perfect for walks, watersports and swimming, and has space for everyone, including naturists. But this rare dune heath system is a surprisingly young natural phenomenon that measures its years in hundreds rather than thousands. <\/p>\n\n

Created by the depositing of sand against the clay and sandstone of Poole Harbour, Studland heath isn\u2019t the only shifting landscape in this corner of Dorset. The grassy headland of Ballard Down rises high above the southern end of Poole Bay, and is punctuated by the chalk stacks of the iconic Old Harry Rocks. Formed over millions of years but now in a state of constant sea erosion, this chalk ridge is a wonderful place to be in winter.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"
The fabulous chalk downland of Ballard Down was once connected to The Needles on the Isle of Wight <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

On a crisp winter day, the views from Ballard Down can be breathtaking. Don\u2019t be put off if the weather is wet; this close to the sea, you will be able to taste the salt in every misty droplet. And what better than a sea breeze to blow away the mental cobwebs as well as the physical ones? <\/p>\n\n

If the chilly air doesn\u2019t do the winter-revival trick, perhaps you might like to try an invigorating cold-water splash. And, of course, that post-swim chill will be the perfect excuse to warm up at the National Trust\u2019s wonderful Knoll Beach Caf\u00e9. <\/p>\n\n

It\u2019s not just the sea views that capture the imagination on this seaside walk. With sika deer on the heath, seahorses in the seagrass and migratory birds such as sanderlings and Brent geese spending the winter here, Studland is an important wildlife habitat. However, bird numbers have been in drastic decline. Please keep your dog under control and follow directions. <\/p>\n\n

This 5.6-mile circular walk takes in the Studland shoreline, Old Harry Rocks and Ballard Down. It includes hills and unfenced clifftop areas. Start at the National Trust Knoll Beach car park, where parking is free for National Trust members. Those wishing to visit via public transport can catch the Purbeck Breezer 50 bus service, which runs between Bournemouth train station and Swanage, and includes a ride on the Sandbanks Ferry.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

THE ROUTE<\/h4>\n\n

5.6 miles\/9km | 3.5 hours | MODERATE<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
1. KNOLL BEACH <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Head along Knoll Beach. Admire the high white cliffs and glimpses of Old Harry Rocks in front of you. <\/p>\n\n

At Middle Beach, turn right to head up past the Old Coastguard\u2019s Hut. Cross the car park then turn left at Grooms\u2019 Cottage. <\/p>\n\n

Just past the bend, don\u2019t miss Fort Henry. This concrete bunker was built in 1943 to allow for the safe observation of D-Day training exercises. Continue along the path. <\/p>\n\n

2. BANKES BREW <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

At the junction, turn right towards the road. Turn left and walk downhill past the Bankes Arms, also home to the Isle of Purbeck Brewery. <\/p>\n\n

3. CLIFF CLIMB <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Continue downhill to the toilets, then turn left along the path to Old Harry Rocks. As the track starts to climb, be aware there are sheer cliffs on the seaward side. <\/p>\n\n

4. OLD HARRY VIEWS <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Explore carefully at Old Harry Rocks. Don\u2019t forget to admire the views to Bournemouth, Hengistbury Head and the Isle of Wight across Poole Bay. <\/p>\n\n

Head up the meadow known as Old Nick\u2019s Ground. Perhaps the fierce-looking Pinnacle rocks here had something to do with this alarmingly devilish epithet. <\/p>\n\n

5. BALLARD DOWN <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Pass through the gate at the top to follow the grass path across the field to the trig pillar. The Ballard Down trig pillar isn\u2019t at the top of its hill. There is more climbing yet but the views south to the groyned beaches of Swanage Bay and north across Poole Harbour are stunning. As you climb, notice the boundary stones. If you look carefully, you can still see the line of the Studland and Swanage parish boundary along the ridge. <\/p>\n\n

6. SEAT TO STUDLAND <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Take a rest at Stone Seat, then follow the stony track downhill towards Studland. <\/p>\n\n

7. LANE TO FARM <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Follow the lane until you reach Manor Farm. Notice the lovely, thatched shelter and cross on the village green. <\/p>\n\n

Turn right and follow the lane back to the loos. Retrace your route to Knoll Beach. <\/p>\n\n

SITE DETAILS <\/strong>
Shop and caf\u00e9 are next to the NT car park; loos are at Knoll Beach and the start of the Old Harry Rocks track. Purbeck Breezer 50 bus stops at Knoll House Hotel. <\/p>\n\n

MEMBERSHIP <\/strong>
Join the National Trust at nationaltrust.co.uk\/join-us<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

Fi Darby is an outdoor instructor and writer who teaches navigation and expedition skills.<\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
\n
Watch <\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall explores the wildlife of Dorset, including sika deer and migratory birds, in Hugh\u2019s Wild West (series one, episode eight). Available on iPlayer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

THREE MORE NATIONAL TRUST WALKS IN DORSET <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Corfe Common History Walk <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Take a 2.5-mile circular walk around Corfe Castle Village and Common, walk a smugglers\u2019 route and spot Bronze Age burial mounds. National Trust car park, loos and caf\u00e9 are all available at Castle View. This walk is mostly level with a few slopes, gates and boardwalks. <\/p>\n\n

Kingston Lacy Woodland Trail (accessible) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Follow this 2.8-mile gravel track and wooden boardwalk through the winter treescapes of Kingston Lacy\u2019s deciduous native woodland. The route is suitable for bikes, pushchairs and wheelchairs, with toilets and refreshments available at the Stables Caf\u00e9. <\/p>\n\n

Brownsea Island trails <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Keep your eyes open for sika deer and red squirrels as you explore Brownsea Island. Choose from three waymarked routes or join them together to discover cliff views, a natural play area and a beach covered in old pottery. Catch a ferry from Poole Quay and enjoy drinks and light meals at the caf\u00e9. <\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
\n

How to use OS Maps on your device <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

OS Maps gives unlimited access to OS maps throughout Great Britain. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover <\/strong>hundreds of thousands of ready-made routes at your fingertips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No signal? <\/strong>No problem. Download maps and routes and use them wherever you go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visualise <\/strong>your routes in full 3D, and print out as required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use <\/strong>the AR Viewer to pan across the landscape and rediscover your view. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get access <\/strong>to the whole of Britain for only \u00a328.99 for a 12-month subscription. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

Photos: Alamy, National Trust Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The National Trust looks after 780 miles of coastline and more than 500 historic buildings, monuments, gardens and nature reserves. 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