🏰 (Beginners) Hiking Corfe Castle, Studland Bay & Old Harry Rocks

I’m leading this hike for London Social Hiking and sharing it here so my KoZa Trails crew know when I’m out on the trails in the UK. 😊

👉 Please note: all sign-ups and payments need to be done through London Social Hiking’s Meetup page here: 🏰 (Beginners) Hiking Corfe Castle, Studland Bay & Old Harry Rocks

RSVPs on KoZa Trails are just to show interest and don’t secure a spot.
Shout if you’ve got any questions—it would be lovely to see some familiar faces!
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Come and join us on a hike to Corfe Castle – one of England's most majestic ruins! The first stone of Corfe Castle was laid more than 1,000 years ago and since then it has been at the centre of battles, plots and mysteries. It has been a treasury, military garrison, royal residence and family home. On this one-day hike, we'll discover this iconic medieval skyscraper standing 21 metres tall, on the top of a 55-metre-high hill. Corfe Castle dominates the skyline of the Purbecks for miles around and the views are simply breathtaking.
Our trail will follow the Purbeck Way, taking in the eastern end of the 95-mile long Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit the iconic chalk formations, known as Old Harry Rocks, and admire stunning panoramic views of Studland Bay, Poole Harbour and the Dorset coast.
This hike is suitable for BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult trips! 🤩
HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk on the golden sands of Studland Bay and Knoll Beach
• Visit the famous chalk formations, known as Old Harry Rocks. According to legend, the 65 million-year-old chalk outcrops were named Old Harry as a euphemism for the devil, who allegedly used to nap on the rocks. Another story tells of the pirate and smuggler, Harry Paye, who attacked many merchant ships as they left Poole Harbour, storing his spoils nearby.
• Enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Coastline, the seaside towns of Poole and Swanage, and the Isle of Wight
• See the ruins of the thousand-year-old Corfe Castle and visit the picturesque village of Corfe Castle
• Discover how Studland Bay was used for military operations during the Second World War and visit Fort Henry World War Two observation bunker

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY
Distance: 9 miles (14km).
Ascent: 350m.
Difficulty: Easy.
ITINERARY
07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:30-16:15 Hike from Studland Bay to Corfe Castle, past Old Harry Rocks
16:15-17:00 Drinks and refreshments in the picturesque village of Corfe Castle
17:00 Departure
20:00 London, Hammersmith
TRANSPORT
As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.