Weekend ride and Pic's.
Discussion
Have been meaning to Cycle the Isle of Purbeck. Planned this ride here a couple of weeks back, not knowing it was going to be one of the hottest days of the year. Walk there often but mainly along the beach. Left Misses' and her friend to walk to Swanage and we'd meet up at the end of the day. Had a route in my head from ordnance survey maps but soon discovered that there were so many landmarks to help. Obviously the Sea, then Satellite masts, Isle of Purbeck Golf course, Oil well and the main one being Ballard Down. A big spine that leads away from the coast to Nine Barrow Down and then Corfe and further. Parked just the other side of Sandbanks and crossed on the chain link ferry to Studland. Headed along the road for a mile or so then turned right onto open sometimes sandy heathland. This dragged up to the Studland to Corfe road. Fantastic views but behind me, will ride this again the other way next time. Along the road for half a mile then left up steep climbs to Nine Barrow Down with 360 degree breathtaking views. Along the ridge then pretty soon Corfe Castle in sight and downhill all the way to Corfe. Into Corfe, drop down the footpath by the Castle then on the road to Church Knowle, Bradle and Kimmeridge. Pretty lumpy but no killer long climbs. Dropping down to Kimmeridge I can now see the South West Coast path that will start my return. Bike carry up many steep steps and take in the views of the coast. At a high point now and can see the terrain of the big headlands, narrow path and shear drop to certain death on my right. Hammered downhill quicker than Danny Hart here, no not really too scary. Quite a few walkers to so took it easy. A couple of bike carry's, the big one being Hounds Tout and down the 176 steps on the other side. Had planned to drink and eat at the top of Hounds Tout only to realise I'd lost my full drinks bottle shouldering my bike. Had been sweating for about 3 hours now. Wouldn't find any drinks further along the coast path for miles so headed in land to Kingston, there's a great Pub there. The Scott Arms. Two pints of Lemonade and Orange, then a Lucozade Energy and a bottle of water. On the road back to Swanage then Ulwell and another drink stop, to find a path up Ballard Down and a last push up to the top. At a high point again. Downhill to Old Harrys Rocks. Bit more path then onto the road back to the Ferry. My Garmin locked up during the ride, but guess about 28 miles. Plenty more to discover there on mtb or road bike. I'll be back but on a nice chilly day.
Just run out of water!
Thats where I'm going!
Chillin' at the end of the day.
Just run out of water!
Thats where I'm going!
Chillin' at the end of the day.
Superb pics. Who took them?
Looks like you were working hard - annoying that you lost your bottle. Had the opposite problem today - my son broke his bottle holder (this is the 2nd time - I'm buying a metal one next time) so I ended up having to wedge an 800ml bottle into my pocket for the last 5 miles.
Looks like you were working hard - annoying that you lost your bottle. Had the opposite problem today - my son broke his bottle holder (this is the 2nd time - I'm buying a metal one next time) so I ended up having to wedge an 800ml bottle into my pocket for the last 5 miles.
I can reccommend this ride in the purbecks ......used on a road bike , however you can adapt for off road
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/47556078/?ope...
fairly hilly , and as you come off Studland Ferry ,cycle 1 mile up the ferry road bear right across the heath and join up with the Goatland penninsular road it will take you , up the BP access roads ( deserted from traffic ) past the well pads ,Wytch Farm , past the gathering station and joins the corfe roundabout road , then bear left towards corfe at the castle carpark , bear right and cycle on towards Church Knowle , stop off for a pint in the New inn .. continue on towards Lulworth
I cant see the pics as Im at work. Ive organised a ride wiith the RAFCC every year for the past 9 years to ride the Purbecks. We start in Kimmeridge and head to Studland for lunch in the Banks Arms. Always used to time it with their beer festival LOL. We go later now so no chance for a selection of nice ales. The decent of Nine Barrows in to Upton is one of the best in Dorset and you rode up it LOL. Ill post some pics up later that we have taken over the years if you like?
It was a hard day. Too hot really. Took the pics myself, when the weathers that good you cant go wrong, 10 second delay on little compact. Wanted to take more pics but also keep moving. DBV8S I'll check out your route. Could be road bike next time. I'm tempted to say lets get a PistonHead ride organised there, I live south London so not local. I'll ride again there soon and let you know.
Mars said:
ou took this one yourself too?
That's dedication..!! Nice one.
Vanity or dedication! I like my photography, more here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23318875@N02/That's dedication..!! Nice one.
Great shots Graham 
Are you coming to the Hill Climb Sunday 10am start
http://www.catfordcc.co.uk/default.aspx?sm=1
Are you coming to the Hill Climb Sunday 10am start
http://www.catfordcc.co.uk/default.aspx?sm=1
fixedwheelnut said:
Great shots Graham
Are you coming to the Hill Climb Sunday 10am start
http://www.catfordcc.co.uk/default.aspx?sm=1
Will be there nice and early.Are you coming to the Hill Climb Sunday 10am start
http://www.catfordcc.co.uk/default.aspx?sm=1
g_stacey said:
Have been meaning to Cycle the Isle of Purbeck.
One of the MTB mags had this ride as their featured ride with pull-out maps and directions a couple of months back. I'll see if I can find it, but I'm sure from memory it said the mileage was in the 40s. Looks a good route and the pics look fab, fancied trying it meself looking at it in the mag but seeing your pics...just1 said:
We are out on the Purbecks every weekend, its our local ride!!!!
Still finding new trails!!! We go with a group that meet at the sandbanks ferry at 8am, you'd be very welcome to tag along!
Many thanks will will post on here next time I'm down. 8am start so leave home about 5am!!!Still finding new trails!!! We go with a group that meet at the sandbanks ferry at 8am, you'd be very welcome to tag along!
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