Old Harry Rocks are three chalk formations, located on the most southern tip of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
The chalk formations are popularly known as Old Harry Rocks, but the name Old Harry refers to the single stack of chalk standing furthest out to sea. Until 1896 there was another stack known as Old Harry’s Wife, but erosion caused her to tumble into the sea, leaving just a stump. Thousands of years ago, Old Harry and The Needles (another chalk rock formation) on the Isle of Wight were linked by a line of chalk hills that eroded during the last ice age. On a clear day, you can see The Needles from Studland Bay.
There are several theories about where Old Harry got its name. It is reputedly named after either a famous local pirate (Harry Paye) or the devil. The top of the cliff nearby is known as Old Nick’s Ground which is another name for the devil.
Old Harry Rocks lies directly east of Studland, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northeast of Swanage, and about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the large towns of Poole and Bournemouth. To the south are the chalk cliffs of Ballard Down, much of which is owned by the National Trust. The rocks can be viewed from the Dorset section of the South West Coast Path.
I have produced a video that captures the beautiful Old Harrys Rock and its surroundings, and it is now on YouTube for everyone to enjoy. View it in HD (1080p) if possible. Please check out my Instagram and Facebook accounts for more photos that I took during my visit.
Ta!
