Old Harry Rocks – View of Corfe Castle loop from Swanage

Mountain biking trails

Old Harry Rocks – View of Corfe Castle loop from Swanage

Moderate

4.8

(34)

riders

Old Harry Rocks – View of Corfe Castle loop from Swanage

02:07

27.1km

380m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 7.33 km for 183 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.33 km

Swanage Obelisk

Highlight (Segment) • Monument

It's a good climb up to the Obelisk, fun in the dry and slippery and challenging in the wet.
Great views over Poole harbour and the coast.
The Obelisk was erected in 1892 to commemorate the provision of clean drinking water to Swanage. It was taken down during the second world war because it was a great navigation aid for enemy piolets. It was replaced in 1953.

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3.91 km

Obelisk Descent

Highlight • Viewpoint

Start just after gate, past obelisk and down a steep dirt track down to gate. Eyes will water!!!

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4.86 km

View of Sandbanks and Swanage

Highlight • Natural Monument

Really lovely views of Sandbanks & Swanage

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4.95 km

View of the Sea from Ballard Down

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Incredible straight bridleway along the top of Ballard Down from the obelisk towards the sea. It really does feel like you're going to ride off the edge of the cliff when you get closer to the sea!

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7.51 km

Old Harry Rocks

Highlight • Natural Monument

Studland Bay is dominated by one of the south coast's most famous landmarks - Old Harry. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is managed by the National Trust.

The chalk formations are popularly known as Old Harry Rocks, but the name Old Harry actually refers to the single chalk rock that stands furthest out to sea. Until 1896 there was another boulder called Old Harry's Wife, but erosion caused it to collapse into the sea, leaving only a stump.

visit-dorset.com/listing/old-harry-rocks/130693301

Translated by Google •

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15.2 km

Randall's Plantation

Forest

15.7 km

Sargent's Plantation

Forest

18.6 km

Corfe Castle

Highlight • Castle

From this most westerly point on the ride you can see Corfe Castle, the Purbecks' most famous landmark, and possibly a glimpse of the vintage steam train that runs inland from the coast.

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