A walk of major contrasts: still woodlands; the sea; sheer cliffs; the sea; a gentle climb; high winds; Bournemouth, Poole and Swanage all visible but sufficiently distant; then the sea again followed by a steeper decline; Poole Harbour then finally pub and a log fire.
You get a great sense of camaraderie too - though the ridge can be quieter, there are several sections that can be quite busy - but there is room for all, and many serious and not so serious walkers have time and mood to acknowledge each other.
There's lots to look out for along the way including ancient woodland, chalk stacks and peregrine falcons circling overhead, but my favourite part of the walk is that "top of the world" feeling looking west from the peak of the climb, with the chalk ridge running ahead and the sea in the distance towards Weymouth and Portland. Remember to wear a hat that won't blow off, and don't stand too near the edge!
After all that fresh Dorset air I'd recommend a visit to the Bankes Arms pub (bankesarms.com, +44 (0)1929 450225). It's National Trust owned and the tenant has his own micro Brewery (Isle of Purbeck Brewery), as well as the biggest log fire.
• Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Route and directions
Start: South Beach car park, near the Bankes Arms pub. Grid ref: SZ038824. Map: OS Landranger 195
1. From the car park walk down the road past the Bankes Arms pub and turn left by the public toilets on to the path signed for Old Harry.
2. From Old Harry follow the coast path up a gentle rise, keeping well back from the sheer cliff edge.
3. At the first gate, keep to the cliff top path. Look back to enjoy a fine view of the Pinnacle stack.
4. Go through a farm gate and head straight on past earthworks and along Ballard Down.
5. At the tall waymarker, where the main paths cros, turn right down the hill signposted to Studland.
6. Follow the road down through the Glebeland estate.
7. At the end of the road, turn right past the village cross and follow the road round to the Bankes Arms.
Terrain and accessibility
Allow two hours for this 3½ mile (6km) walk. It's a fairly gentle walk, normally with good conditions underfoot. One steady climb up Ballard Down. Beware of sheer cliff edges on and approaching Old Harry. Dogs welcome under close control.
Getting there and local facilities
By foot: From the cross roads in Studland village, take the lane by the post office, and follow it round to the Bankes Arms pub
By bike: Leave National Cycle Network route 2 where it joins the Ferry Road, then head south into Studland (one mile) and follow foot directions
By bus: Wilts & Dorset number 50 from Bournemouth and Swanage, or number 40 from Poole. Then follow foot directions
By car: Follow B3351 from Corfe Castle, (five miles) or from Poole to Studland via chain ferry. Car park is at BH19 3AU.
Car parking at South Beach car park; WC at bottom of Watery Lane; food and accommodation at Bankes Arm Country Inn and Manor House Hotel. Cafe on South Beach and National Trust holiday cottage in Studland village. Contact: +44 (0)1929 450259.
