A Sunrise Cycle on The Isle of Purbeck , Dorset
This route takes you from the stone ruins of Corfe Castle built by William the Conqueror to the Jurassic Coast sea stack and stump of ‘Old Harry Rocks’ along a sublime chalk ridgeway.
The outward start has some challenging sections but the return route is much flatter across the heathland .The whole route is a mix of road, chalky bridleways with some gravel and heathland tracks.
I can recommend the bench ideally positioned up Challow Hill after the steep climb out of Corfe Castle for your own snack and coffee stop and a superb vista.
Where the contours are close together you may prefer a hike a bike section, or just stop for a while to take in the simply stunning panoramic views. You overlook Swanage and its Bay, Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Bournemouth, Poole Bay and ahead of you in the distance, The Needles over on The Isle of Wight.
Some sections require confidence on the lumpy, rutted chalk tracks. Fatter tyres or front suspension will be more comfortable. However the descent from Ballard Down to Old Harry is a delicious wider, grassy bridleway. It must rank as one of the best off road descents you can enjoy on a bike and is likely to cause excessive happiness flying down it. Especially as the sun rises over the sea.
There is car parking at Norden Park and Ride, just outside Corfe along with bike hire at Cycle Experience and toilets. The nearest train station is at Wareham, about 5 miles from Corfe Castle. There are also toilets at Studland.
Much of the route is in a protected area owned by The National Trust. There are roaming cattle and sheep and so you will need to open and close several gates along the way.
27km (17 miles)
Total Ascent 430m
Challenging in parts from Corfe to Ballard Down
Allow 2-4 hours
OS Explorer OL 15
This route guide is part of the Taylor’s of Harrogate Coffee Bag Adventures Collection and was created by OS Champion Sue Barrett
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