Old Harry Off Road Bike Ride in the Isle of Purbeck
This 9-mile ride follows a spectacular route along the Purbeck Hills, offering some of the finest views in Dorset. Beginning in Swanage, the trail climbs steadily onto the ridge before heading east towards the famous chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks. From this vantage point, you can look out across Studland Bay and the Isle of Wight, with the dramatic coastline stretching away in both directions.
After enjoying the panoramas from the hilltops, the trail continues through Studland Heath, a quieter and gentler section of the ride with sandy tracks, heathland, and open woodland.
From here, the route loops back towards Swanage, combining a mix of steady climbs, off-road tracks, and enjoyable downhill stretches. The constantly changing scenery, from high ridges to lowland heath, makes this a varied and rewarding ride, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the views.
Main Beach Car Park
Victoria Avenue
Swanage
BH19 1PW
OS Grid Ref: SZ 02667 79104
Off Road Ride

1 - Start
At the exit of the car park, turn right then left up Northbrook Road, continue to a mini roundabout.
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2 - Roundabout
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Turn right at the roundabout and continue to the cross roads with Ulwell Road.

3 - Junction and Cross Road
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At the junction with Ulwell Road, continue straight ahead onto Whitecliff Road until you come to a stone building on your left and a bridleway sign on the left side.

4 - Start of Whitecliff
Turn left and follow the steep bridleway up to a wooden gate, go though the gate and follow the very steep chalk path up the side of the hill. Continue though the next gate until you reach the top of the hill and a wooden sign post.

5 - Top of Ballard Down
Turn right at the top of the hill and follow the well used path heading East. Continue though the next gate and follow the path along the top of the cliff turning North . Take care on this section as the path is often busy with walkers.

6 - The Foreland
At the foreland and Old Harry Rocks, stop for a photo (not too close to the edge) and then continue left heading West following the wide path to Studland.

7 - Manor Road junction
At the junction with Manor Road, continue straight ahead and follow Waterly Lane up the hill, turning right into School Lane until you come to a cross roads with the village shop on your right.

8 - Cross Road
At the cross roads, continue straight ahead onto Heath Green Road and follow this until you come to a rough track on the right side marked Playing Field.

9 - Junction
Turn right and follow the rough track until you come to a bridle way on the left side.

10 - Bridleway
Turn left and follow the sandy bridleway heading west though heathland and past the golf course.

11 - Golf Course
At the junction at the top of the hill and golf course, turn left and follow the bridleway to the B3351 and wooden gates.

12 - Gate
Turn Right onto B3351 and continue along the road until you reach the next junction on your left.

13 - Junction
Turn left at the junction and follow the road back down the hill to Ulwell Road.

14 - Junction
Turn right onto Ulwell Road and continue along Ulwell Road to Swanage, Continue until you come to a junction on the right side with Seaward Road.

15 - Junction onto Seaward Road
Turn Right onto Seaward Road.

16 - Junction with De Moulham Road
Turn left onto De Moulham Road and continue along the road until the junction with Victoria Avenue.

17 - Junction with Victoria Avenue
Turn right onto Victoria Avenue and follow the road back to the car park and start.

Old Harry Ride