We are down in Dorset and decided to extend our stay to incorporate some riding in the Purbecks. We have had our eye on a ride from Corfe Castle out to Old Harry Rocks and back via Studland for 2 or 3 years but never got round to fitting it in so figured as we have the time…

We found a campsite outside Corfe Castle just off the route, and the weather forecast when we made the plan seemed OK! However not the case in reality – it rained most of the night but appeared to clear in the morning so we decided not to bother with waterproof trousers. A big mistake as it was pouring down within a mile so a quick return to van to don all the gear.

Climb up to Nine Burrow Down from Corfe Castle

It was good to get back on our mountain bikes again after having been restricted to folding bikes for the past couple of months. The ride was a straight forward 30K, a climb up on to the ridge from Corfe Castle a ride along the top before descending and ascending to Old Harry Rocks then down to Studland and back through Rempstone Forest. The views as you ride out towards Old Harry Rocks with Poole Harbour below to the right and Swanage Bay below to the left are stunning (even on a wet day in October!).

As you ride towards the cliff edge on the approach to Old Harry Rocks the bridle way bears sharp left, if you miss it you will know when you hit the water! The route guide stressed the importance of this turn. In reality you have a good 20 m before the cliff edge however the way the ground drops away on the approach leaves you unsighted for 200m or so before the turn so makes if psychologically interesting.

Cliff top path to Old Harry Rocks

All in all a great ride and some good practice before heading to Scotland next week.