Walk up to Old Harry Rocks

Coming from the west-coast of Canada, where the views are quite marvellous themselves, I cannot help but chuckle as the world continues to take my breath away with its beauty and prestige. This time it is the simple, but ancient, Old Harry Rocks. 

This hidden gem was suggested by my Airbnb host, who said she sends every traveler up to these amazing cliffs. The way up is fairly easy if you’d like a beginners walk, or are with children. As I am staying in Bournemouth, I took the number 50 bus (direction Swanage) from Bournemouth Station (the bus comes once every hour). Tickets there and back can very, but are around 8 Pounds for a return trip. From there it’s easy sailing, the bus will take you about 48 minutes through the windy roads of England's Jurassic Coast. There are multiple stops throughout this route, that’s one of the great parts of this walk. I got off at Beach Road and started walking directly towards the rocks. From the bus stop, it’s about 2 miles (3.2 km). There are many ways to actually get to the cliffs, any road you take towards the cliffs will meet up with the trail. I started on Rectory Inn Road, and took a right on Manor Road, where I passed a lovely brewery, which already giving me a gorgeous view of the Channel. (If you're taking a car, it's a great place to park). After the brewery, there are public toilets on the left which is the start of the trail going up to Old Harry Rocks. The trail is quite easy, at the start there's some elevation gain but then it flattens out quite quickly. Once you get up to the cliffs, theres nothing but beautiful water, the city’s shoreline and million-year-old rocks to please your eye. There are also many side trails that can take you to little spots to stare out at the England Channel.

This walk can be more than just a simple trek on a trail, you can actually walk all along the beach, on the water, and then later on up on the rocks themselves. Some people like to hike from city to city, and then take the bus back when they're too tired to continue. The great thing about this trail is that it's yours to decide, a simple 3km walk, or a day hike? It's all up to you! I chose to do the easier route, but if you're feeling fit and up for the challenge, why not walk beside some incredibly old and beautiful rocks? 

All along the water there are sailing classes, paddle boarding and canoeing as well. This place is a marvellous sight, one in which I will not soon forget, and will hopefully be on your list for your next trip to the United Kingdom.