3.7 of 5 (20 votes)

Corfe Castle to Studland Bay

A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting and finishing in Dorset, England, about 19.50km (12.12 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 6:00h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent 180m (590ft)
Descent 184m (603ft)
Max. Elevation 200m (656ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss 364m (1193ft)
Start
Corfe Castle
End
Studland
Distance 19.50km
(12.12mi)
Duration ~6:00h
Difficulty  
Moderate
Car Free Walks TeamCreated by Timwoods on 21 May 2010
I think Dorset is one of my favourite places to go walking. The coastline is varied with lots of natural features - geographers always love it - and the interior is a mass of rolling hills and perfect farmland. This walk also takes in one of the historical attractions - Corfe Castle - before following the Purbeck Hills to Studland Bay, perhaps the finest beach on the South Coast. Buses from Swanage serve both Corfe and Studland.

Walk Functions

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Walk Map

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Waypoints

OS Grid SY961821
Start in the village of Corfe Castle. This is a bustling spot, as tourists flock to admire the distinctive hilltop ruins, and no doubt the National Trust tearooms too. Just opposite the castle, a path leads past Challow Hill.
OS Grid SY965823
This is where I took my first ever girlfriend (aged 14) for a picnic. It's a beautiful spot but failed to have the romantic effect, as she soon went off after the school stud. Don't let that put you off; it's still lovely.
About 0.51 km (~0.32 miles) from
OS Grid SY974821
The Purbeck Way climbs up onto Rollington Hill, and from here you have a glorious hilltop walk towards the sea. Glorious in good weather, at least.
About 0.80 km (~0.5 miles) from
OS Grid SZ006811
Carry on to Nine Barrow Down - named after the nine burial mounds (barrows) along its length. Follow the Purbeck Way down to Round Down.
About 3.41 km (~2.12 miles) from
OS Grid SZ024811
Climb up the other side of the dip at Ulwell onto Ballard Down. The sea is now tantalisingly close!
About 1.79 km (~1.11 miles) from
OS Grid SZ047814
Continue to Ballard Point and views across to the Isle of Wight.
About 2.32 km (~1.44 miles) from
OS Grid SZ052822
Follow the path that heads downhill to another famous Dorset landmark - Old Harry Rocks. These chalk stacks are all that remains of a landbridge that once connected Purbeck with the Isle of Wight. Now that would have been some walk!
About 0.95 km (~0.59 miles) from
OS Grid SZ037826
Studland Village is just north of the rocks. Here you have three options; catch the bus back to Swanage, exlore Studland Heath, or strip off and join the nudists on the beach!
About 1.52 km (~0.94 miles) from
OS Grid SZ039859
The optional extra around Studland Heath is well worth it, unless you are desperate to get naked. It's a 7km circular around the sand dunes and heathland - the only place you can see all of England's reptile species, although a fire in 2009 had a major impact on the wildlife here.
About 3.25 km (~2.02 miles) from
OS Grid SZ022843
Follow the bridleway back to Studland via Greenlands Farm.
About 2.36 km (~1.47 miles) from
OS Grid SZ035828
Return to Studland for a well-earned ice cream or pint in the Bankes Arms. Perfect! You have to wear clothes, though ...
About 2.01 km (~1.25 miles) from

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