Swanage to Shell Bay

The walk: From Swanage seafront, there is an optional excursion out to Durlston Head via Peveril Point and back. Then, the walk heads round the Ballard Down headland via Old Harry Rocks to Studland, and along the beach to Shell Bay, next to the Sandbanks Ferry.

Map

NB The map shows my GPS track, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.

Why do it: Seaside fun in the unspoilt family resort of Swanage, nestled in the bay between the chalk cliffs of Ballard Down and the rocky headland of Peveril Point. Traditional Punch and Judy show. Swanage old pier. Mediterranean feeling walk through woods to Durlston Head. Durlston Castle cafe, views. Anvil Lighthouse. Scenic walk around the Ballard Down headland passing the popular landmark of Old Harry Rocks. Picturesque Studland Bay, with miles of sandy beach.

Distance: 5.5 miles in total out to Durlston Head and back (optional). Swanage to Shell Bay: 8.5 miles

Logistics: Park in the National Trust Shell Bay Car Park (free to NT members- next to the Sandbanks Ferry). Take the Purbeck Breezer bus to Swanage (Banjo Pier Bus Stop) (summer only, regular service, open topped double decker if you are lucky, senior bus pass holders go free). Walk back.

Challenges: The official coast path route from Swanage towards Studland starts with a road walk along Ulwell Road to join the clifftop path via Ballard Way. This can be avoided by just carrying on along the north beach to a stepped path up to the clifftop at Shep's Hollow (see route marked in red on the map). This involves some easy scrambling over breakwaters.

Old Harry Rocks have arguably become too popular for their own good, and at peak times, crowds walk up from Studland. The approach from Swanage is quieter.

The walk along the shore from Studland South Beach to Middle Beach includes some quite rocky bits, and negotiating ongoing erosion defence works. Also, at high tide, this shore may be under water. All this can be avoided by taking the shortcut to Middle Beach along the lane. Walking on the whole beach will be easier at low tide because firm wet sand is exposed.

Part of the beach towards Shell Bay allows naturists: it was probably too chilly for them when I was there.

You could incorporate the Durlston walk into the walk from Kingston to Swanage.

Refreshments: Lots of options along the seafront at Swanage. Cafe on Swanage Pier (entry charge). Cafe at Durlston Castle. Studland has the Bankes Arms pub, Middle Beach Cafe. Knoll Beach Cafe (NT). Shell Bay Seafood (quite posh) overlooking Poole Harbour next to the Sandbanks Ferry.

Nearby Walks

To the West: Kingston to Swanage

To The East: The walk from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks is essentially straightforward along the Bournemouth promenade.For a more interesting and varied walk, try Milford-on-Sea to Christchurch

Photos