{"id":20864,"date":"2022-11-01T07:20:48","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T06:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=124969"},"modified":"2022-11-01T07:49:16","modified_gmt":"2022-11-01T06:49:16","slug":"walk-studland-bay-and-old-harry-rocks-dorset","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/walk-studland-bay-and-old-harry-rocks-dorset\/","title":{"rendered":"Walk: Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks, Dorset"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Fi Darby\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 01 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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

On a clear day, the views from Ballard Down can be breathtaking. Don\u2019t be put off though if the weather is wet; this close to the sea, you\u2019ll be able to taste the salt in every misty droplet. After your walk,\u00a0rest and refuel at the National Trust\u2019s wonderful Knoll Beach Caf\u00e9<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just the sea views that will capture your imagination on this seaside wander. With sika deer<\/a> on the heath, seahorses in the seagrass, and overwintering migratory birds<\/a> such as Brent geese<\/a> and sanderling, Studland is an important wildlife habitat. However, bird numbers here have been drastically declining. Please keep your dog under control and follow directions.<\/p>\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. Your starting point is the National Trust Knoll Beach car park<\/a>. Parking is free for National Trust members.<\/p>\n

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Old Harry Rocks forms part of the Jurassic Coast\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks walk<\/h2>\n

5.6 miles\/9.1km | 209m accent | 3.5 hours | moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Along the beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

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

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Beach at Studland Bay in Dorset\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

2. Bankes brew<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

3. Cliff climb<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

More Dorset delights<\/h4>\n

One of England\u2019s most-loved counties, Dorset\u2019s coastal cliffs, bird-rich moorland and vast pebble beaches are a hiker\u2019s dream. Here\u2019s our guide to some of the county\u2019s best walks.<\/p>\n