Historical Studland and the mysterious Agglestone Rock with views across the heath and bay
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Distance: 5.5kms (3.4 miles)
Total Ascent: 110m
Difficulty: Easy
A short rainy day option that highlights the historical role Studland Bay played in WWII followed by a walk across a section of Godlingston Heath to the distinctive Agglestone Rock. Drive to Studland village and turn off Ferry Rd onto Beach Rd, heading for the Middle Beach National Trust car park (red marker on map). Walk back to the car park entrance and take the South West Coast Path to the left of the thatched cottages that runs along the low cliff top and behind The Pig on the Beach restaurant. Shortly you will come across a large concrete structure called Fort Henry. This observation post was used as a secure location from where King George VI, Churchill, Eisenhower and Montgomery observed the live-firing D-Day landing exercise in April 1944. To the right of the observation bunker is a memorial to the men who drowned during the exercise in the trial of the floating Valentine tanks. Continue along the footpath, turning inland to cross Manor Rd and take the footpath that runs to the right of the NT South Beach car park and through the churchyard of St. Nicholas. Passing around the 1,000 year old church exit onto Church Rd and at the Celtic Cross turn right up School Lane. At the crossroads by the Studland Stores, go straight across and follow Heath Green Rd (note passing the track for your return) until you reach Agglestone Rd where you turn right and follow the track around and behind the houses. The gate on the right at the end of the track and houses brings you onto Godlingston Heath.
As the path rises up to Black Down Mound panoramic views open up across the heath, Poole Harbour and the coast. Follow the sandy ridge and at the track turn right, and then at a track crossroad turn right again in the direction of the distinctive and mythical Agglestone Rock, perched on the small rise that provides fine views north and across Little Sea. Continue on from Agglestone Rock down the path across the heath, then take the right fork in the direction of the trees. The path goes through the small woodland and after Wadmore Farm House take the right footpath in the direction of Black Down Mound and then left which takes you back on to Heath Green Rd. Turn left on Ferry Rd then right on to Beach Rd and back to the car park.
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