Studland - Old Harry - Ballard Down - Studland

Al Rodger

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Studland - Old Harry - Ballard Down - Dean Hill - Agglestone - Studland

From above the beach at Studland, the walk proceeds past Studland's ancient Norman church and along the coastal path to Old Harry with its National Trust nature reserve, then continues up and along the length of Ballard Down. Crossing to Dean Hill, the route then descends via Agglestone Rock back to the coast. There are spectacular views from cliffs, downs and across heathland almost throughout the walk. Climbs are mostly gentle.

England - South West England - Dorset - Studland

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Great Views, National Trust, Sea, Toilets, Wildlife

27/09/2017 - Andy McTaggart

Many thanks to Al Rodger for compiling this superb walk. This is the fifth time that I have enjoyed this walk and it never fails to impress , dazzle and take one's breath away. The vistas of the sea , cliffs, Ballard Down, Poole harbour, Isle of Wight, Swanage and more are unrivalled and this has to be one of the best coastal walks in the UK. An absolute gem which every walker should enjoy. Many Thanks Al.

04/04/2017 - Kai Chandler

1. Change "Turn right at road junction by the idiosyncratic Manor House Hotel." to "Turn right at road junction by the idiosyncratic "The Pig on the Beach" Hotel." 10. Change "Dog-leg left then right and through two gates on the good path. Keep straight ahead at the first two marker-stones, making for 'Agglestone Studland Heath'. (The information board by first gate describes the heathland habitat ahead, a precious remnant of Dorset's once extensive heaths)." to "Dog-leg left then right through gate staying on path and ignoring gate immediately to right. Keep straight ahead at the first two marker-stones, making for 'Agglestone Studland Heath'." 15. Change "Cross road and follow path on left through gully to Beach Road. Turn left back to car park. (A café - open on weekends only out of season - and toilets can be found on beach. The Banks Arms is a short walk on the road left out of the car park beyond the idiosyncratic Manor House Hotel)." to "Cross road and follow path on left through gully signed to Middle Beach". Turn left back to car park. (A café - open on weekends only out of season - and toilets can be found on beach. The Bankes Arms is a short walk on the road left out of the car park beyond The Pig on the Beach."

04/04/2017 - Kai Chandler

One of my favourite walks with wonderful views from Old Harry and Ballard Down.

29/07/2014 - Timothy MacMahon

A lovely walk, done on 24 July 2014. Note however that the Old Manor Hotel is now The Pig - we presume a branch of the hotel / restaurant of the same name in the New Forest. Also there's no obvious marker, or we missed it, at Point 6.

30/09/2012 - Paul and Tracy Dawson

Lucky to do this easy to follow walk yesterday, on a clear bright sunny day, lots of wonderful views. Quite a climb up for the first half of the walk, but very gradual, so not noticeable.

09/06/2011 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk again on 2/6/11 and it remains a favourite. Beautiful views for most of its length, short enough to be done when time is tight (it took 2 hours on dry, firm gound) and a nice old boozer at the end, if you've parked in the Middle Beach car park at Studland. A lovely way to spend and afternoon.

01/11/2010 - Lyn Lovell

Wonderful walk. My girls aged 10 & 12 found it hard work in parts. Well worth packing a picnic and enjoying the views. Very dog friendly.

11/07/2009 - John Holden

I really enjoyed this walk. Magnificent sea views and easy to follow paths. Just watch out for the NT car park charges! £1 for 1hr, £3 for 2 hrs, otherwise £6! Hint - parking is free after 6!

07/03/2007 - Yvonne Murphy

This was a lovely walk, with an easy to follow route and magnificent views. I would point out that at step 9 there is a stile to negotiate that our fit, light Golden Retriever managed to jump over. I would suggest that an older, smaller or heavier dog would struggle with this. We couldn't find any obvious route round either. Since car park is next to the beach, we ended the walk by playing with the dog in the surf, wonderful!(watch the rules for dog access to the beach, these are posted at the car park entrance). The cafe is also open out of season for hot chocolate and coffees. A fabulous walk, thank you!

31/12/2005 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk on 29 December 2005. Do it on a clear bright day - the views are wonderful in the sunshine. It's a short and easy stroll but one you will wish didn't end so soon.