Walk: Studland peninsula

PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME OF 9AM

Brief

This is a relatively flat walk that takes in beaches and heathland on the west side of Studland peninsular (Poole Harbour) and the beaches on the east side (Shell Bay). We can decide nearer the time whether to walk clockwise or anticlockwise depending on the weather and the tide. It can be very quiet and pleasant to walk along the inside of the harbour at low tide, and we can try to avoid a headwind for 2 miles on the beach at Shell Bay. A short diversion on the heath can lead to mysterious Agglestone Rock (Dorset Echo says "one of 25 things to visit in Dorset before you die").

Advised parking on the Sandbanks peninsula on one of the internal roads within the "island". Many free designated parking bays.

https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/d/d/5/600_452744501.jpeg

https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/d/d/6/600_452744502.jpeg

If the weather is good it might be appropriate to have a swim from the beach at Shell Bay. If you fancy that, bring a costume, or maybe not needed if between the signs (I'm told).

The walk is about 7 miles including the short diversion. I don't think there are any escape routes to shorten it this time. Although the Studland 50 bus comes past.

Boots are a good idea for the harbour beach.

There are beach and village cafes and pubs at Studland/Shell Bay. Toilets at start (both sides of ferry) and at Studland/Shell Bay.

Meeting point - Sandbanks side of the ferry, ready to go over as foot passengers (£1 one direction, free return). Arrive and park in good time (0900) to catch 0915 ferry. Parking on the main road or side roads near the end of Sandbanks is usually possible. If not you will need to park in the main car park which is 15 min walk from the ferry.

The Small Print:

This is a walk led by Aaron or Phil for and on behalf of Dorset Humanists. As such there is no liability, no responsibility or insurance cover offered. You take part in the walks strictly at your own risk, and we will give you as much prior information beforehand to make the judgement if you are up to it. The walks are targeted at adults and we have no provision/supervision /cover for children.

Weather:

Walks will take place in suitable weather conditions as standard. If it is raining heavily on the morning of the day, please check Meetup to see if it is still going ahead. If it is dry at start, but forecast for light rain, we will likely continue. Always good advice to pack a light waterproof.

Car sharing:

We strongly encourage car sharing as it saves fuel, reduces emissions, and helps reduce peoples fuel bills. If car sharing please split fuel costs accordingly, and take a spare change of shoes so as not to dirty the car.

Suitable tire:

Walks have a Boots icon indicating either hilly or rough terrain. In these instances, please make sure you have suitable footwear for the job. Ill fitting or unsuitable attire will cause you pain and thus slow down the entire group. When walks have the Boots icon greyed out, this usually means its mainly hard surface path, fields or beach suitable for trainers. We do not advise any distance walking in flip flops, light open shoes or heels.

Ability:

Mileage, terrain and a line map will be provided showing where the walk is, what it is like, and what level of difficulty might be posed. It is your judgement as to how fit and able you are, and how much of the walk you wish to do. Escape points where you can "leave the walk" will be provided on many walks. If taking an escape point, please advise the walk leader so they know you haven't got lost or left behind.

Photos:

Photos will be taken on walks for future publicity, if you are camera shy please let the walk leader know in advance.

Provisions:

There will always be a food/snack stop on the walks. For those wishing to take a pack lunch, feel free to do so. Please take at least 2 drinks with you on all walks, and more in summer on hot days. It is your responsibility to stay hydrated. Snack bars are also a good idea.

First Aid:

You are advised to take your own first aid kit along, especially plasters for cuts, abrasions and blisters. A first aider is usually on walks, but lease take your own items as kit is expensive.

Dogs:

Dogs attending is possible on most walks, subject to beach restrictions (at your discretion), be aware there will be sheer drops on some walks and possibly sheep/wildstock.

Costs:

The walks themselves are free, although do feel free to contribute to the donations bowl at the next talk. This helps cover the cost of running Meetup. Some walks will incur costs, this will typically be a ferry of a few pounds, maybe a return bus journey on linear walks, or a pub or café stop. Estimated expected costs will be on the briefing sheet.

Attendance:

Please register on Meetup if you intend to come along. Always check the Meetup site on the morning of the event in case of any last minute changes. If for some reason you wont be attending, PLEASE LET US KNOW or amend your status. We will be waiting for you at the start point if not informed.

Walks start at 10:15 typically, and will mean we wont be there at 10:30. If you arrive late, please be aware many areas have poor phone reception.