Ballard Cliff is part of the Jurassic Coast near Swanage in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. The steeply dipping Cretaceous chalk that marks the northern end of Swanage Bay takes over from the Wealden beds at this location. A series of landslides during the late 1990s and early 2000s created a prominent white 'zig-zag' in the scarp. A rotational slip in the Chalk, Upper Greensand and Gault has developed, exposing a section of the soft, blue-grey Gault clay at the base of the cliff.

Outdoormichel 🚴🏻‍♂️🥾🏃‍♂️

July 28, 2024

Hiking

The path has a lot of bumps. You can walk it, but you have to be careful where you step. Hiking poles and good shoes are recommended.

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Luke

February 28, 2025

Hiking

My name sake 🤣 Ballard down views are amazing. Muddy in winter and steep in places but worth it for the coastal views.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 100 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 7 March

11°C

7°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

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Location: Studland, Purbeck, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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View of Swanage Bay from Ballard Cliff

1. View of Swanage Bay – Old Harry Rocks loop from Swanage

2. Swanage Beach – Old Harry Rocks loop from Swanage

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Other Popular Places to Check Out

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