From Ballard Point, south of the Old Harry Rocks, a series of chalk downs run westward to Corfe castle. The first part of the walk takes in about 2/3rds of this, giving marvellous walking on the ridge top. There are unparalled panoramic views here - to Swanage bay to the south and to the North - Poole Harbour, Purbeck Forest, Studland Beach and the beaches from Sandbanks away to Bournemouth. Not forgetting the chalk cliffs of the Isle of Wight to the East. Later, the walk crosses Godlingston Heath for about 2 1/2 miles. Once you are clear of Studland the walk goes nowhere near human habitation until you return to Studland, except for a farm and one house. The main walk is about 11 miles long. Then option a) cuts of f a corner at the start making it about 9 miles. Finally option b) in which a substantial part of the western bit is excluded to give a walk of ~ 7 1/2 miles, and as an afterthought part of this one is reduced to 6 miles, but keeping the best bits..

 

Arriving from Swanage/Corfe Castle (B3351) go straight on at the cross roads in the village. Then right turn almost at once (S.P.Carparks), then immediately fork right. (S.P. South Beach Carpark). If you miss this turn take the next one. Then right at the next T junction to reach a car park just before the Bankes Arms Hotel.

Start your walk by turning right out of the park. After a short distance turn left by public toilets (S.P. Old Harry). Option b) goes this way too, but for option a) turn right and keep on the road. Follow path to Old Harry Rocks then continue southwestwards past the Pinnacles (old chalk stacks). Climbing gradually you next go through gate (N.T. Bridleway arrow). Head diagonally up the slope. When a copse appears keep to the left, and when you reach the top of the hill, turn right by the trig point and head west , and in about 1/2 mile reach the Stone Seat. If you have taken option a) you join here from the right, and stay with this route for the rest of the walk.

From here you get fine panoramic views, but they are probably even better a bit further on at higher ground. Head west slightly uphill, then pause before reaching the next gate to admire almost 360 degrees of scenery. Through the gates then on to an Obelisk, where you turn left over stile (Marker Ulwell). There follows an extremely steep hill with a loose gravel surface. Fortunately most of the lower half has steps. At the bottom of the hill turn right through old iron gate ( The gate post is marked 'City of London'. Its a long way from home). The path is completely enclosed by overhanging vegetation.

Don't miss this turn - if you go straight on you will soon be in North Swanage. As you come out into the open turn left over stile to reach main road. Turn left and almost at once turn right off road to climb Godlingston Hill. If you are uncertain about using the steep route then continue on past the Obelisk and make a gradual descent to the road, where you turn left and in 1/2 mile rejoin the proper route. The latter half of the road section is narrow with minimal verges. Having rejoined you leave the road and head on track up hill, passing signpost which has no arm in the direction you are heading. The track climbs up the edge of the hill swinging right to head north-west as it does. At the top of the hill turn left just before the trig point to head roughly west, passing a large metal storage tank. You are now on Nine Barrow Down, the highest point on the walk (~600 ft.), and there are only a few mild uphill bits from here. Through gate (marked Purbeck Way) and continue along ridge toward next gates. About halfway along this stretch see gate set in gorse hedge on your right. For option b) turn off here to go through gate and head north-east downhill (Kingswood Down). For the main walk continue through next gates on to Ailwood Down. Head downhill and just before next gates turn right (marker Rempstone). Through gate and head downhill on side of hill. Into wood and here do a hairpin turn right down gravel track which swings left to head north and you soon come out on to a main road.

Cross here (S.P.Rempstone) . Then turn right in front of farm buildings along lane with tall trees to your left. Continue until you enter wood then swing left to leave wood heading north-east. Then bear right in front of house. Through new gate and slightly uphill to your right, then soon fork right. The woods open out and when clear of the trees the track turns left at 'Franks Tank'. Here go straight on through waymarked steel gate. You are now starting to cross Godlingston Heath. A bit further on you are diverted a little to the left through some trees to avoid a golfing green. Then uphill keeping green to your right. At the top of the hill swing right following the bridleway markers. The path skirts to the left of the golf course and there are plenty of markers to keep you on the right track. Eventually reach a marker indicating Studland and Agglestone. You are making for the latter so keep following the markers of which there are plenty. You are now heading roughly north-east and soon reach the Agglestone. This is a 400 ton lump of iron rich sandstone, presumably left behind by a retreating glacier.

Leaving the stone unturned,continue north-east then swing right when you reach a wider track joining from the left. Through trees then right over wooden bridge, up through gate then bear left heading southeast on to wide road bordered by houses. You soon come out on to main road where you turn right. In 200 yards turn left down narrow path (by board advertising Bankes Arms Hotel). On reaching the road go slightly left then right past board advertising Manor House Hotel. Head down this road for about 1/4 mile to reach carpark.

For option a) : When main route turns left at public toilets, go right to keep on road, and in about 300 yds. turn left by farm buildings to go up narrow lane. Proceed up lane past houses on the right then leave road through wooden gate (S.P. Swanage)and head up track to emerge on Ballard Down at the Stone Seat. Turn right to join the main route.

For option b): Follow main route as far as Nine Barrow Down, then turn right through gate in gorse hedge as described above. Head downhill in a north-easterly direction making for edge of wood. At end of wood turn north to shortly come out on to main road. Turn right here and in about 2/3 rds mile turn off road at a small unpaved layby. Through the gate and head northwards down path to find markers for Agglestone. You now join the main route as given above.

The road section you have to use is narrow, winding and in summer,very busy. A shortened walk omits the road section, but as it includes the whole of the Ballard Down section and the best part of the Heath path, it covers a lot of ground in 6 miles. At the Obelisk on Ballard Down continue straight ahead to go down a steady slope and come out on to a road where you turn left. This part of the road has a wide verge to walk on. In about 300 yards turn right over stile and head up hill to next stile at edge of wood. Through the wood to emerge on to golf course. Cross here following waymarks to next stile. Turn left on reaching road, then immediately right into layby, through gate to join directions as above. At least during the holiday season this shorter walk is probably more enjoyable than the full option b).

CARPARKS. In the holiday season the village parks soon fill up. In that case drive north out of the village. Then just beyond the Knoll House Hotel turn right into the enormous Beach park. Start your walk by heading south along the beach, then leave through the village carparks, and turn left in front of the Manor House Hotel sign to start your walk. Near the end of the walk turn left instead of right on entering the main road.

POSTSCRIPT. If you are staying in the area and do not want a long walk, a stroll up to the Stone Seat from either the Swanage or Studland side is well worth the effort

for the far reaching views on offer. And having got there it's downhill all the way back!

 

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