🏰 (Beginners) Hiking Corfe Castle, Studland Bay & Old Harry Rocks

################# **Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.** **We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/12gIZWTLfA3zQsx1fb0lpv1zOWP2vC5tq/view?usp=drive_link) to help answer your questions.** ################# Come and join us on a hike to Corfe Castle – one of England's most majestic ruins! The first stone of Corfe Castle was laid more than 1,000 years ago and since then it has been at the centre of battles, plots and mysteries. It has been a treasury, military garrison, royal residence and family home. On this one-day hike, we'll discover this iconic medieval skyscraper standing 21 metres tall, on the top of a 55-metre-high hill. Corfe Castle dominates the skyline of the Purbecks for miles around and the views are simply breathtaking. Our trail will follow the Purbeck Way, taking in the eastern end of the 95-mile long Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit the iconic chalk formations, known as Old Harry Rocks, and admire stunning panoramic views of Studland Bay, Poole Harbour and the Dorset coast. **This hike is suitable for BEGINNERS** – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult trips! 🤩 **HIKE HIGHLIGHTS** * Walk on the golden sands of Studland Bay and Knoll Beach * Visit the famous chalk formations, known as Old Harry Rocks. According to legend, the 65 million-year-old chalk outcrops were named Old Harry as a euphemism for the devil, who allegedly used to nap on the rocks. Another story tells of the pirate and smuggler, Harry Paye, who attacked many merchant ships as they left Poole Harbour, storing his spoils nearby. * Enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Coastline, the seaside towns of Poole and Swanage, and the Isle of Wight * See the ruins of the thousand-year-old Corfe Castle and visit the picturesque village of Corfe Castle * Discover how Studland Bay was used for military operations during the Second World War and visit Fort Henry World War Two observation bunker **DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY** Distance: 9 miles (14km). Ascent: 350m. Difficulty: [Easy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view). **ITINERARY** **07:45** Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station) **08:00** Sharp departure **11:30-16:15** Hike from Studland Bay to Corfe Castle, past Old Harry Rocks **16:15-17:00** Drinks and refreshments in the picturesque village of Corfe Castle **17:00** Departure **20:00** London, Hammersmith **TRANSPORT** As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus. **SAFETY** This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader. **BOOKING** To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Corfe Castle). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours. Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited Sort Code: 20-17-20 Account Number: 63116514 We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the [attendees list](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/315758657/attendees) of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue. **THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES** * Transport throughout the trip * Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver * Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Lowland Leader * Professional event organisation * Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders * Admin fee * 20% VAT **THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of