Agglestone Rock figure of eight walk
The Isle of Purbeck, like The Lizard, the Roseland and all peninsulas, lends itself to circular journeys. There’s something deeply satisfying about not having to go back on your steps. It’s up to you how you tackle the following route and whether you go clockwise or anti-clockwise.
— Start at Studland village and grab a drink at the shop with the sign that says: MAY CONTAIN NUTS.
— Follow down the footpath alongside Ferry Road.
— Salute and whistle to the Little Sea lagoon on your right.
— As the road runs out, wander right into Shell Bay and the finest sand west of Scandinavia.
— Look out for the ice cream boats if they’re about, but close your eyes as you wade past the naturists sunning their private parts.
— Head inland at the Visitor Centre, then cross the road, pass the hotel and take a right towards Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve, looking out for signs to Agglestone Rock.
— Listen to the woodpecker peck-offs in the silver birch woods.
— Follow the trail up to the rock, in whatever way you like (barefoot is best).
— Climb Dorset’s very own Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) and think how on earth did it get here*?
* Some say it’s The Devil’s bowling ball to knock down the ‘skittles’ of Old Harry. Some say a giant threw his nightcap from the Isle of Wight. We say maybe Jurassic termites built it.
