Dorset

Godlingston Heath walk

This scenic walk encompasses sweeping views across the heath to Little Sea and Studland Bay and also takes in the mysterious Agglestone, a huge block of iron-rich sandstone that remains a prominent feature of the landscape.

Near to

Studland Bay

Start point

Middle Beach car park, Studland. Grid ref: SZ036829

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Duration1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Gently undulating with a few slopes. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**This walk involves a short section of steps and a couple of boardwalks below Agglestone Rock.
***Dogs are welcome under close control. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Address
Middle Beach car park, Studland, Dorset BH19 3AX
Directions via Google Maps
Cycling
Leave the National Cycle Network Route 2 where it joins the Ferry Road and head into Studland.
On foot
From the bus stop in the centre of the village, walk along the main road away from the chain ferry (towards Swanage) for about 50 yards, as far as Studland Stores and Post Office. Join the walk at step 2.
By road
Follow B3351 from Corfe Castle (9 miles) or from Poole via the chain ferry. Postcode: BH19 3AX.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Middle Beach car park, Studland. Grid ref: SZ036829
Stage 1
From the car park walk up Beach Road. At the top, turn left between the toilet block and the village pond. Take the narrow snowdrop path at the top of the green. It will take you past an ancient pear tree and the remains of an old stone cottage, before bringing you out in front of Studland Stores.
Stage 2
Cross the main road and continue along Heath Green Road. You will see apple orchards on your left. Turn right down Agglestone Road and follow the track up behind the houses. As you reach the end of the track, keep your eyes peeled for Dartford warblers and stonechats.
Listen out for the Dartford warbler | © National Trust Images/Martin Bennett
Stage 3
The kissing gate at the end of the track brings you onto Godlingston Heath. Follow the path uphill onto Black Down Mound, where you will be rewarded with wonderful views to your right across the heath to the coastline, with the impressive Agglestone in the middle distance.
Views of the Agglestone and Studland Heath
Folk tales tell how the Devil, sitting on the Needles Rock by the Isle of Wight, caught sight of Corfe Castle in the distance. In his anger he threw his cap across the sea, intent on demolishing the grand structure. But his missile fell short and stands to this day on Studland Heath. In reality the Agglestone is a 400-ton ironstone remnant of the Bagshot beds, which covered the present heathland thousands of years ago.
The unmissable Agglestone | © National Trust Images / Jon Bish
Stage 4
Continue along the ridge and, when you meet the gravel track, turn right. At the crossroads, turn right and follow the path down to the Agglestone. From here you can see Little Sea in the distance: an acidic freshwater lake that was cut off from the sea around 100 years ago.
Sand lizard in Studland, Dorset | © National Trust Images/Ross Hoddinott
Stage 5
Take the path that leads down the slope on the other side of the Agglestone and follow the path through the mire. Where the path forks, turn right heading towards the trees.
Stage 6
Turn right at the next junction, heading into the woodland. Then turn right again over the bridge and continue through the bridle gate. Just after Wadmore Farm House, you will see an old brick kiln on your right.
Stage 7
After passing the kiln, take the footpath on your right. It is immediately after, and runs adjacent to, the bridleway. At the next junction, follow the footpath round to the left. As the track widens, keep to the right and continue along the footpath in front of you until you reach Heath Green Road. Turn left and follow the road back towards Studland Stores. Cross the main road and follow the snowdrop path, then Beach Road, back to your starting point.
End point
Middle Beach car park, Studland. Grid ref: SZ036829
Trail map
Godlingston Heath walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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View between dunes to turquoise sea and white cliffs beyond

Place

Studland Bay

Vast area of sandy beaches and heathland

View of white chalk cliffs, arches and stacks of Old Harry Rocks near Studland, Dorset

Trail

Old Harry Rocks walk

Discover ancient rock formations and one of Dorset's most famous landmarks on this circular trail from South Beach in Studland Bay, with exciting birdlife to enjoy along the way.