A short Dorset walk that takes in some of the wonderful geological features of the Jurrassic Coast close to Studland. The walk also provides wonderful views across Swanage Bay.
Technical sheet
n°293034
A Studland walk
posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 04/04/22
(S)Exit the car park in the village of Studland and turn right along Manor Road. Where this road swings right take the signed South West Coast Path on your left. This leads you almost immediately onto the coast with views on your left across the bay to Bournemouth. The route is never in doubt as you head towards 'Old Harry', the first of the many features encountered on this walk. The path swings right and almost immediately there is a spot where you can get a wonderful view of 'Old Harry'.
(1)Continue along the coast path gradually ascending past the 'Pinnacles' towards Ballard Point. Keep the path closest to the clifftop here ignoring the Purbeck Way which branches off to the right. From Ballard Point the views open up with Swanage Bay some 400 feet below you to the south. There is a trig point marking the highest point.
(2)Like most popular areas, there are many paths so precise directions are impossible. However after enjoying the view you need make for the Ballard Down ridge so head uphill and follow the path along the highest point. This leads west across Ballard Down and it is worth following the path as far as the Obelisk (grid ref. SZ022813) from where an extensive panaorama across the Dorset countryside can be enjoyed.
(3)Retrace your steps across the Down as far as the stone seat (grid ref. SZ033812) on Studland Hill, which you should have passed walking out to the obelisk. Turn left here following the bridleway downhill passing the Glebeland Estate on your left. Reaching Scholl Lane, go half right along Church Lane towards the church. Just after the church take the path on your right that leads back to the car park.(E)
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 23 m - Studland car park
1 : km 1.74 - alt. 3 m - Old Harry
2 : km 3.1 - alt. 59 m - Ballard Point
3 : km 5.62 - alt. 139 m - Obelisk
S/E : km 8.4 - alt. 25 m - Studland car park
Useful Information
The Jurassic Coast is a popular place to walk with many outstanding coastal features. This short walk using a section of the South West Coast Path starts from the village of Studland and takes you onto the high cliffs offering some spectacular views. There is a pay and display car park in the village (grid ref. SZ037825) although do remember that at busy times of the year spaces may be at a premium.
For accommodation in the local area:
Burnbake Forest Lodge Holidays - situated in the heart of The Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. Luxury Lodges with Hot Tubs and Wood Burning Stoves! http://www.burnbakelodges.com/
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 04/10/22 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : N/A Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
It is a very beautiful area and lovely views. Unfortunately the day we went the weather was very bad with a strong wind so we were unable to complete it. The signposting was not always clear and if you did not have an ordnance survey map you could not follow the directions from this site that easily.
Delphinium
Overall rating :
4.7 / 5
Date of walk : 02/04/22 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
This walk gives amazing views walking on the coastline. It can be quite steep and challenging at some parts but really worth it!!!
