SZ0281 : Old Boundary Marker by Purbeck Way, Ballard Down, Studland parish

Ballard Down

162m Elevation
65m Prominence
England Country
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SZ0281 : Old Boundary Marker by Purbeck Way, Ballard Down, Studland parish

Milestone Society Photo source

Explore routes near Ballard Down

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Durdle Door coastal walk

6.8 km ~2h 20m Moderate

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Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Langdon Hill Circular

2.2 km ~50m Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ballard Down Circular Trail

A classic circular route starting from the village of Swanage, offering stunning views over Studland Bay and Purbeck Hills.

7.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

162m

531 ft

Prominence

65m

Coordinates

50.6310, -1.9658

SZ025812

OS Map

195

Explorer: OL15E

At the Summit

The summit features a large, well-placed trig point that serves as a perfect photo opportunity, overlooking the sweeping coastal vistas.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with some chalk paths offering gentle slopes and occasional steeper sections.

Ballard Down primarily consists of chalk, a soft, white rock formed from marine organisms that offers fascinating exposure to the Earth's geological history.

Views & Scenery

Views extend to the Isle of Purbeck, the English Channel, and the jagged coastline of Dorset.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ballard' might derive from the old English 'Bealuweard,' meaning 'the place of the bear.' Not that anyone has seen a bear up here since the Stone Age.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area was significant in both military strategy and agriculture, with remnants of ancient earthworks still visible.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the top of Ballard Down, however, spaces are limited. Parking in Swanage is recommended, approximately 2.5 km walk away.

Public Transport

Swanage can be accessed via the Purbeck Breezer bus service from Wareham, particularly in the summer months.

Nearby Facilities

There are public toilets and cafes in Swanage that offer a range of refreshments; ideal for fuelling up before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of steep cliffs on the south side; while the views are spectacular, falling is not recommended!
  • The terrain can be uneven, so watch your step, especially in wetter conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ballard Down?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ballard Down through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ballard Down?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ballard Down search or of course create your own walk for Ballard Down

Can I organise a walk to Ballard Down?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ballard Down.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ballard Down?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ballard Down here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SZ025812

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