Walking Dorset's Coast: Sandbanks to Middle Beach

Over the summer we will be walking the c.100 miles of Dorset coast in training for our 4 day hike in Peru. Keep track and find inspiration in our Walking Dorset's Coast series, covering routes, handy pubs and fuss-free camping.

Mark and I have both run the 7 miles of Bournemouth and Poole's sea front countless times, so we're giving these miles a miss in favour of more challenging spots, and after braving Hengistbury Head a few weeks ago we took on the sandy shores of Studland.

Parking in Sandbanks and taking the ferry (£1 per person from Sandbanks to Studland, free on the return journey) across the mouth of Poole Harbour to Studland, we walked 3 miles to Middle Beach; the end of the sandy road. From here the South West Coastal Path continues up along the Jurassic Coast.

Studland is famous for it's nudist beach, but I think you'd have to be pretty ballsy to brave the sea on any March day, let along in the nuddy! The craziest thing we saw was a handful of ultra runners competing in the Jurassic Coast Challenge. They were in the last few miles of a marathon, having done 2 marathons in the two days before. I was glad we were spreading our challenge out this time! Being able to walk at a conversational pace, hand in hand with Mark makes such a difference from the strain of running, where we're often miles apart.

With the 3 mile walk back and a chilly wind in our minds, we re-fuelled at the National Trust Knoll Beach Cafe with hot tea and sumptuous slices of cake whilst warming our nipped fingers and dusting the sand from our boots.

On the return leg, the tide started to come and I spotted these little jelly droplets in the sea floor's ripples. If anyone has any idea what they are please share!

By the end of the walk I was ready to put my feet up (6 miles on sand will do that) but felt the sun's effects on my cheeks and am already looking forward to tackling more challenging walks over the coming months. 

Sandbanks to Middle Beach Walking Route Map

Wakey Wakey, Paddle and Breakie in Studland

13th June

This may have been the weekend of Jurassic World the movie, but this weekend I explored the Jurassic Coast of Dorset with a little help from the National Trust.

I'd discovered the kayak and breakfast morning whilst researching local events for work, and knew this would tick all the boxes for the perfect birthday gift for my husband. Outdoors; check! Scenic; check! Workout; check!

It was an early start to be at Knoll Beach for 8.15am, and the pressure is always on when you realise you're meant to be there at 8am! So, unprepared and over dressed we arrived and slid ourselves into wetsuits and joined the rest of the pack. We'd not thought to bring swimwear so prayed we didn't fall in.

The beach was sodden with seaweed which made for a crunchy then spongy walk to the shoreline with the kayak, and up there with some of my worst nightmares, especially with no scuba shoes! Finally though I was in my kayak and remembering how to get myself moving. Then I heard a splash and realised Mark wasn't getting on so well, and was off kayak, in the sea and starting what would become a bit of  a habit!

With the wind behind us, we coasted along the bay quite pleasantly, taking in the sights of the old and sea worn beach huts, and a World War 2 pillbox, a quite uncommon sight given the Dorset coast's involvement in WW2 training.

Slowly the beach broke into cliffs from the Cretaceous period which led all the way to Old Harry Rocks, one of the most famous sights in Dorset. The water was shallow and clear and despite the overcast weather the cliffs were illuminated.

At the base of the cliffs next to Old Harry, we were able to explore the "beach" make from smoothed rocks from natural erosion. Here we were able to swim and explore the rocks, or, if like me you're scared of seaweed, be dragged gently to a safe spot. It was wonderful to finally be up close to the rocks which have dominated my view as a resident of Bournemouth and Poole across the bay for a lifetime.

After resting our arms, we clambered back into the kayaks (Mark fell in again) and we circled Old Harry and continued towards Swanage before cutting back through a cave and back into Poole Bay (3rd and final swim for Mark). The wind had picked up on the other side, and we were now battling against it, the taste of bacon on our lips. Courteously, I kept watch at the back of the pack of 20 or so other adventurers, bringing up the rear in my usual way.

As we neared the beach the wind calmed and we slid towards the sand with the sun on our backs and the birds singing. What a wonderful way to start the weekend!

Find out more about the National Trust events at Studland and book yourself a Dorset adventure now!

Explore a real Jurassic world at jurassiccoast.org