Whilst the Needles on the Isle of White are world famous, Old Harry Rocks and its neighbouring Pinnacles are somewhat lesser known, but no less stunning. They form the starter for this walk, with breathtaking views across Studland, Poole and Swanage Bays. The continuation along Ballard and Nine Barrow Downs leads to the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle, a royalist stronghold during the English Civil War. We then cut back over the Downs and onto Godlingston Heath, taking in the lonely sandstone monolith of the Agglestone. This long but easy walk takes in some impressive views without too much ascent and descent, whilst looking out across the incredible Purbeck Hills of southern Dorset, which are often basking in sunshine.
Detailed description
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Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 14.23 miles (22.90 km)
Total ascent: 545m
Time: 6 – 8 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:The car park in the village of Studland, this can often be full, but there is another in the village, SZ037826
Nearest town:
Swanage
Terrain:
Generally easy going grass path, although in the wet the soil is very clay based and can become extremely slippery, especially on the steep sections on the Downs.
Public transport:
There are reasonable bus services from Poole Dolphin Centre across to Studland and Swanage. These get you to within a few hundred metres of the start.
Maps:
OS Explorer OL15 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 195 (1:50,000) Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route Tourist info:
Swanage (01929 422 885); Poole (01202 253253); Bournemouth (0845 051 1700)
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by Mark Reeves
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