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South Haven Point to Peveril Point via South West Coast Path and Ballard Down (9.5mi)

South Haven Point – Knoll Beach – Studland – Old Harry Rocks – Ballard Down – Swanage Beach – Peveril Point

Map: Please note that the routes I walk are designed for me and my individual needs only. I do not guarantee their suitability or safety. You always travel at your own risk.
Page published: 20 September 2024 Page modified: 20 September 2024
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This walk really had it all: beaches, a picturesque village, a Victorian seaside town, rolling hills, and spectacular clifftop views. There was also a bit of history to explore, and to make it more interesting, even the weather presented some variety on this Sunday in May. My route mostly followed the South West Coast Path, with a detour via Ballard Down.

The endpoint of the Coast Path, South Haven Point near Studland, was my starting point, and from there, 2½mi of beaches awaited exploration.

Shell Bay Beach. Shell Bay Beach.
Brook near Middle Beach. Brook near Middle Beach.

Studland

While the weather had been cloudy and windy on the Studland beaches, once I arrived in Studland village, the skies started to clear, and it began to get warmer. In Studland, I visited Fort Henry, a Second World War observation bunker, and St Nicholas’ Church.

Stone signpost near Fort Henry. Stone signpost near Fort Henry.
Inside Fort Henry. Inside Fort Henry.
Inside Fort Henry. Inside Fort Henry.
Memorial at Fort Henry. Memorial at Fort Henry.
Memorial at Fort Henry. Memorial at Fort Henry.
Fort Henry. Fort Henry.
Studland village from afar. Studland village from afar.
On my way to Studland village. On my way to Studland village.
On my way to Studland village. On my way to Studland village.
Up on the mountain. I had a break at the churchyard.
Signpost near Studland. Signpost near Studland.

Old Harry Rocks and Ballard Down

I left Studland behind and made my way towards the Old Harry Rocks. After admiring these mighty chalk stacks and the sea views from Ballard Cliff, I walked up Ballard Down to take in the views of Swanage and Swanage Bay on one side, and Studland, Studland Bay, Poole Bay, and Poole and Bournemouth on the other.

Studland Bay as seen from the South West Coast Path between Studland and the Old Harry Rocks. Studland Bay as seen from the South West Coast Path between Studland and the Old Harry Rocks.
Me at the viewpoint. Me at the viewpoint.
At the Old Harry Rocks. At the Old Harry Rocks.
At the Old Harry Rocks. At the Old Harry Rocks.
At the Old Harry Rocks. At the Old Harry Rocks.
Ballard Cliff. Ballard Cliff.
Swanage as seen from Ballard Down. Swanage as seen from Ballard Down.
Happy cows at Ballard Down. Happy cows at Ballard Down.

Swanage

I then made my way down to the valley towards Swanage. I found a busy beach and town centre there, and I passed Swanage Pier and the Wellington Clock Tower before arriving at my journey’s endpoint, which was Peveril Point.

Walking down to Swanage. Walking down to Swanage.
The Wellington Clock Tower in Swanage. The Wellington Clock Tower in Swanage.
Peveril Point. Peveril Point.
Peveril Point. Peveril Point.
Peveril Point. Peveril Point.
Durlston Bay and cliffs. Durlston Bay and cliffs.

The pub / the video

This 9.5mi walk called for a refreshment, so I had a pint of lager at The White Horse Inn.

Watch my video to find out more about these and many other things I experienced on this walk.

At The White Horse Inn. At The White Horse Inn.
The White Horse Inn. The White Horse Inn.
Locations visited Isle of Purbeck – Studland – Poole Harbour – Shell Bay Ferry bus stop – South Haven Point – South West Coast Path – English Channel – Shell Bay – Shell Bay Beach – Studland Heath National Nature Reserve – Studland Bay – Knoll Beach – Knoll Beach Bookshop – Middle Beach – Fort Henry – St Nicholas’ Church – Manor Road – Old Harry Rocks – Jurassic Coast – Ballard Cliff – Ballard Down – Swanage – Swanage Bay – Swanage Beach – Swanage Pier – Wellington Clock Tower – Peveril Point – Swanage National Coastwatch Station – The White Horse Inn – Swanage Railway Station
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