Bramble Bush Bay and Studland walk
Studland Beach, four miles of golden sand with beautiful views over the water to Old Harry Rocks, is one of the most stunning beaches in the UK, if not the world. Bramble Bush Bay, situated in the inner reaches of Poole Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Sydney harbour, is equally worth a visit, especially as it is far more secluded. The water on this Studland and Bramble Bush Bay walk is sheltered and the beaches here are great bases for a day by the sea, with safe swimming areas and water sports to enjoy, such as kayaking, snorkelling, pedaloes and paddle boarding. Dogs are allowed on the beach at Bramble Bush Bay, but there are restrictions at certain times of the year on Studland Beach, so check before you set off if you plan to take your pup with you. To begin this Studland and Bramble Bush Bay walk find the starting point at Middle beach National Trust car park and weave your way down between the beach huts, to the sand beyond. On the way note the Dragon’s Teeth relics from World War Two, as the beach was used to rehearse for D-Day. Once on the beach it is easy to follow the route along the shore, passing Knoll Beach café and shop on the left, where there are also toilets. A little further along from the shop, there is a naturist beach, which stretches for about 900m, before the shore bears left onto Shell Bay. Sand dunes run parallel to the beach, which provide a landscape characterised by a sense of remoteness.
Shell Bay to Bramble Bush Bay
Once you walk onto Shell Bay the vista changes from the openness of the sea, with views over to Bournemouth, to the view of the Sandbanks Chain ferry, at the mouth of the harbour. From here many boats come and go, from small dinghies and yachts to gigantic cross channel ferries. At the ferry road you will find the sign that marks the start of the South West Coast Path, which stretches on to Minehead in Devon, over 600 miles away. Having watched the boats and ferries for a while, walk up the Ferry Road and cross over at the toll booths, picking up the footpath on the right-hand side of the road. This path will lead you down to Bramble Bush Bay, on the inner reaches of the harbour. Whereas Shell Bay and Studland beaches are east facing, Bramble Bush Bay faces west and from here you can enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and glorious sunsets. Although it can be muddy when the tide is out, if you time it right, you can enjoy the beaches here without the crowds. Samphire can be found on the inner reaches of the harbour, which tastes great with fish and in salads. Dogs can run and swim free from their leads all year round at Bramble Bush Bay, and the bushes provide some shade in the hottest months.
You can turn off the beach at various points along the shore, and head back to the Ferry Road through the heather-edged tracks. Our route follows the shore to Jerry’s point, then tracks back inland to pick up the path on the other side of the road, close to Little Sea. A fresh-water lake, Little Sea forms part of the wetlands between the dunes and the Ferry Road. There are a vast array of plants and the dunes and Little Sea environment provide great habitats for a huge range of animals, birds and insect species, including otters, voles and sika deer as well as dragonflies and butterflies.
Gradually you will wend your way back to Studland Beach, close to Knoll Beach café and shop, where after a long walk you might want to rest for a while and enjoy some refreshment and make use of the toilets. In the summer this part of the beach might be best avoided, as it is a favourite for tourists. However, in the winter you can still find the beach relatively empty, especially if you don’t mind venturing out on less sunny days – it’s worth it to experience the peace and quiet that such an expanse of beach can offer. Leaving Knoll Beach, follow the shore once more back to Middle Beach and the car park. Well done for completing the walk.
5.8 miles
2 hours
174 ft
Fields and Dunes
Yes - woof!
OS Grid Ref: SZ 035 829
Latitude: 50° 38' 45" N
Longitude: 1° 57' 1" W
Elevation: 46ft
