Walks & Pubs

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

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

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

Inside Fort Henry

Inside Fort Henry

Memorial at Fort Henry

Memorial at Fort Henry

Fort Henry

Studland village from afar

On my way to Studland village

On my way to Studland village

I had a break at the churchyard

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

Me at the viewpoint

At the Old Harry Rocks

At the Old Harry Rocks

At the Old Harry Rocks

Ballard Cliff

Swanage as seen from 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

The Wellington Clock Tower in Swanage

Peveril Point

Peveril Point

Peveril Point

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

The White Horse Inn

✖

arrow_back_ios_new

arrow_forward_ios