The Agglestone to Greenland Farm
Many paths lead to the Agglestone, this huge sandstone rock that sits in the middle of Godlingston Heath, on the Studland Peninsular, close to Studland beach and Bramble Bush Bay. Relatively recently, in 1970, the Agglestone wobbled (or ‘aggled’ if you speak in local dialect) and tipped on its side, ending up not in the original anvil-like position, but lying on its side, as it is today. The Agglestone is one of the ‘must sees’ on the Isle of Purbeck and can be accessed from the main Corfe to Studland Road, via the golf course, or, perhaps more safely, from the Ferry Road, which is where this walk starts.
Pick up the path at the sign to Godlingston Heath, having parked on the Ferry Road, about 3/4 of a mile from the ferry, where the road bends to the left if you are travelling in the direction of Studland. The sign to the heath is quite prominent and leads you up the sandy path, through the heather right up to the Agglestone. Take your time to keep turning your head to take in the panoramic views of Poole Harbour and Studland, which should be clearly visible on a sunny day.
The Agglestone is also known as ‘The Devil’s Anvil’, which references its shape before it wobbled over. Although the more likely explanation of its prominence is erosion, Nick prefers the ancient myth that the devil threw it from the Isle of Wight, in an attempt to hit Corfe Castle or Salisbury Cathedral. Clearly he missed! The mythical story is a great tale for the children or grandchildren, although I am sure they would appreciate the geological explanation as well.
Having admired the Agglestone and possibly clambered over it or caught a small child jumping off one of the smaller rocks, head to the path behind and circle round on the heathland track that loops back to the main path towards Greenland Farm, on the left as you look towards Poole Harbour. You’ll soon be walking through grassy, flat fields and the landscape changes from sandy heathland paths to grassy tracks through fields then woodland.
We’ve walked to the Agglestone twice recently. On the first occasion we picnicked at the rock, eating home-made pasties with our grown-up children (trying to resist the temptation of telling the younger parents with their squabbling little ones that it will get better!). On this occasion, we picked our way through past Greenland Farm and drove down to a parking spot closer to Studland Beach. From here we walked through to Bramblebush Bay and onto Shell Bay, where we had our cup of tea and flap-jack. Either way, the Agglestone walk is a perfect stroll or Sunday afternoon saunter, for all the family. Take a cuppa and an afternoon treat or picnic and enjoy the journey with all the family.
3.6 miles
1 hours 20 mins
312 ft
Fields and Paths
Yes - woof!
OS Grid Ref: SZ 025 843
Latitude: 50° 39' 30" N
Longitude: 1° 57' 56" W
Elevation: 197ft
