Old Harry Rocks Walk - Dorset

Voted as one of the best walks in Britain, Old Harry rock is one of the most stunning views in Dorset - and one of the easiest and most fun walks for all levels. There's even a pub stop on route! Great for walkers and cyclists and part of the South West Costal path, it should be on everyone's to do list when visiting Devon or Dorset.

How to get to Old Harry Rocks & parking

old harrys rock walk

Old Harry Rock is located in Studland in Dorset, it can be reached on foot from nearby Studland or Swanage. The nearest train station is Wareham.

 

Parking at Old Harry Rocks

The easiest way to get the the view point (all the pics you see online) is  to park at one of the National Trust car parks ;Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach and then walk. The nearest car park to the start of the walking trail is South Beach Car park. From there you join the South West Costal path (clearly sign posted the whole way - you won't miss it).

 

If you want a car park with facilities like a cafe and toilets then park at the Knoll Beach car park which has National Trust cafe, shop and toilets and is £5 for a full day of parking

Walk to Old Harry Rocks

The walk from South Beach to Old Harry Rock is around 1.5miles and will take around 30 mins one way. The walk is on the South West Costal path and is very flat and easy. There is an initial hill at the beginning of the walk. Once you get to Old Harry Rocks you can keep walking along the costal path or turn around and come back - you can reward yourself with a pint and lunch at the Bankes Arms Inn once you've finished the walk!

What can you see at Old Harry Rock?

You will see spectacular cliff formation at the very eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. Thousands of years ago, Old Harry Rocks and the Needles on the Isle of Wight were linked by a line of chalk hills that eroded away. What's left is a series of impressive rock stacks and cliffs. However be aware that you won't see exactly what you see online - most of those photos have been taken by drone. Also if you are afraid of heights you may not want to get too close to the cliff edge to see the chalk hills.

Old harry rocks . Photo credit Dorset Leisure holidays
Old harry rocks . Photo credit Dorset Leisure holidays

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