Studland Walk
Enjoy a lovely walk around this coastal nature reserve in Poole, Dorset. The walk begins next to the Sandbanks to Shell Bay chain ferry where parking is available. You then head into the reserve on walking trails some of which are way-marked. The trails take you through dunes and heathland where you will find a variety of birdlife flying between the trees and bushes. The purple bell heather and yellow gorse are particularly delightful in the summer months.
The walk also visits the Little Sea - a large lake which attracts water loving birds. You can observe them in one of the bird hides on the edge of this lovely peaceful place. There are fabulous views of the islands of Poole Harbour including Brownsea Island, Furzey Island and Green Island. On a clear day you should also be able to see Bournemouth Pier and the Isle of Wight.
The South West Coast Path passes the reserve so you could pick this up and head towards Old Harry Rocks and Swanage. From Sandbanks you can catch the ferry to Brownsea Island where you can enjoy more peaceful walking and wildlife.
You are also very close to Rempstone Heath and Godlingstone Heath where there are more nice heathland trails to try. The latter includes the noteworthy Agglestone Rock. The large sandstone block commands wonderful views across the heaths to the coast.
Studland Heath Nature Reserve Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Studland Heath Nature Reserve Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Studland Heath Nature Reserve OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Studland Heath Nature Reserve Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The on site National Trust cafe does a good range of meals and snacks. They have a large outdoor seating area next to the beach for warmer days. The Studland Stores on the corner in the village also sell lots of sandwiches and snacks which you could eat outside somewhere on the route. If you fancy a pub lunch then the head to the Bankes Arms which has a splendid garden area with views over the sea. The 16th century inn also has a fine interior with wood fires in the winter. You can find it on Manor Road with a postcode of BH19 3AU for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Poole Harbour Trail passes the heath. The 40 mile circular walk is a great way to explore the many highlights surrounding the significant harbour.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Studland. A new cross erected in 1976.
South Beach Studland
Information board for Dogs at Studland
The Norman St Nicholas church, Studland
Beach Huts set a little way back from the beach
Studland Bay on a busy summer day in 2006. The photograph is taken from Knoll Beach Visitor Centre looking toward Old Harry Rocks
Little Sea, seen through surrounding birch trees on the heath. Once a sea lagoon; enclosed by wind-blown sand to become a freshwater lake. There is a bird hide where you can look out for wildlife that visits the water.
Studland Heath