Panoramic walk via the iconic Old Harry Rocks, with great views from Ballard Down across to Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight
Duration: 2 hrs 45 mins
Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
Total Ascent: 350m
Difficulty: Moderate
*** Note for regular walkers from Swanage, the steps at Shep’s Hollow severely damaged by Storm Ciaran have recently been repaired and re-opened (November 2024) ***
Our recommended route follows the Swanage Beach walk, marked by the dotted line on the map. To access the beach, walk up Burlington Rd and take the footpath that slopes down to the left of the Grand Hotel. Turn left along the promenade before dropping down on to the beach. Just before the final groyne walk up the steps at Shep’s Hollow, and at the small bridge turn right and up the steps – you are now on the coastal path in the direction of Ballard Down.
[Alternatively and to follow the red route in the above map, from the White House turn right down Burlington Rd, and then right onto Ulwell / Redcliffe Rd where you will start to see the South West Coast Path acorn symbol markers on the lamp posts. Turn right on to Ballard Way at the Ballard Downs Stores corner shop, through the Ballard Estate following the footpath signs to the cliff top path that crosses the green in front of the bungalows. Cross the gully at Shep’s Hollow and then continue up the stone steps with Ballard Down ahead]
Keep to the path, eventually passing through a kissing gate before ascending stone steps onto the steepest part of the climb up to Ballard Down. Just before the top the South West Coast Path diverges to the right through a gate but keep going a little further up to the ridge top (the Purbeck Way) to enjoy the fine views over Poole Harbour, the world’s 2nd largest natural harbour. On the top turn right through a farm gate and continue along Ballard Down with clear views of the Isle of Wight and Bournemouth in front of you.
[For the shorter circular walk, just after the Trig Point turn right at the gate to follow the cliff top path back towards the gate you passed earlier and then retrace your steps back down to Swanage. This shorter walk is great for an early morning or late afternoon one hour dose of fresh air!]
Continue on the South West Coast Path to Old Harry Rocks which mark the eastern point of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Old Harry walk along the southern end of Studland Bay heading towards the village. The path finally joins the road in a dip next to a white toilet block where you turn right up the hill to the Bankes Arms pub, or take the next right through the gate down to the South Beach where you will find Joe’s Cafe (in high/mid season).
[For those wishing to walk further take the right footpath just beyond the pub towards and past Fort Henry (an observation post constructed for the D-Day practice landings), walking around the back of The Pig Hotel & Restaurant then through the car park to the Salt Pig cafe with fine views across the bay. This new cafe has replaced the much loved Middle Beach Cafe that closed in January 2023, and later demolished due to the ever increasing coastal erosion. The South West Coast Path continues through to Knoll Beach and the National Trust shop / cafe, and onwards along Studland Beach as far as the Sandbanks ferry and the end of the country’s longest footpath.]
To return to Swanage you can retrace your steps, or from the Bankes Arms go around the church of St. Nicholas via the National Trust car park and footpath through the cemetery, past the Celtic Cross then with a large barn (Manor Farm Tea Rooms) on your right take the shorter and more direct route along the road and up through the Glebeland Estate. At the top take the footpath through a gate on your left and commence the climb to Studland Hill on Ballard Down. When you reach the top you can either turn left along the Purbeck Way until you reach the gate you went through on the way up, and turn right to retrace your steps from there, or as marked on the map go straight over and down the more gentle diagonally sloping pathway with the town of Swanage in front of you. Keep straight on at every opportunity until you enter North Swanage. Turn left at the first road (Moor Rd) then walk down to the junction with the corner shop. From here take Redcliffe Rd down towards to main town, left up Burlington Rd then left into Cliff Ave.
Alternatively you can catch the bus back. Keeping the Bankes Arms on your left walk up the road, turn left down Rectory Lane then when you reach the main road you should see the bus stop. It leaves hourly to Swanage (No 50 Purbeck Breezer, usually half past the hour but check online) and to alight there is a request stop by The Crows Nest Pub opposite Burlington Rd.
The White House - Swanage 