Old Harry Rocks and Ballard Down
To the chalk stacks at the start of the Jurassic Coast, returning over Ballard Down.
- Distance
- 8.7 km
- Ascent
- 290 m
- Time
- 2.5–3.5 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 147 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Old Harry Rocks and Ballard Down is an easy 8.7 km circular walk with 290 m of ascent, taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours. It starts at Studland (grid reference SZ 035 828).
Old Harry Rocks are chalk stacks standing off the headland at Handfast Point, near Studland, and they mark the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. From Studland, an easy path leads through woodland to the clifftop above the stacks.
The walk climbs onto Ballard Down, with views over Swanage Bay and Poole Harbour, and returns to the village.
Route
-
1
Old Harry
Follow the path through the woods to the clifftop above Old Harry.
-
2
Ballard Down
Climb onto Ballard Down and return to Studland.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Old Harry Rocks and Ballard Down take?
- Most walkers take 2.5–3.5 hours for the 8.7 km route, which has 290 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Studland (grid reference SZ 035 828). National Trust car parks in Studland (charge for non-members).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses from Poole and Swanage to Studland. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Grass and chalk paths, with a steady climb onto Ballard Down.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Keep well back from the cliff edge, which can crumble without warning, and keep dogs on a lead.
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