Trail Running the Isle of Purbeck

 When I was a child, I went on holiday most years to Dorset, mostly to see my Nan in Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck. There was a beach, my Mum could get some help looking after us, and there was Beavers Cafe for milkshakes. When I was a teen, I stopped going as I developed other interests and it was only in the few years before Covid I returned and realised what an amazing place the Purbeck Isle and Dorset coast were. 

Please note, Lulworth and Durdledor are amazing but in the last few years the crowds have become too much, there is a lot more infrastructure and its a bit more developed. I can't go as it breaks my heart a bit, but don't let that stop you. 

Having some time off between jobs, and needing to go see my Nan and Grandad, I booked a self catering apartment, loaded the dog in the car for a long journey (travelling solo with a dog is complicated, especially the loo situation) and set off for the south coast and week of gentle walks with Nanny Maureen and some running with the dog. 

Through summer there is a trial running event nearly every weekend on the Jurassic coast, and of course the population probably trebles with an onslaught of tourists. But in winter, there are enough locals to keep a few things open and the odd tourist like me choses to invade. I lucked out with the weather and had an amazing few days down there. So here are a few recommendations for trail running in the area. It is by no mean definitive as there is so much coast path and amazing farm land, I could go on forever, but a few to when the appetite. 

For my intervals session, I used the frozen (it was -3) King George playing field where I believe there was once a club 5k race. Its flat, its well maintained and I could take the dog. You also could use the Swanage prom if you went early which is flat and offers lovely views. 

For trail runs which don't require too much navigation, I recommend either the Sike trail at Wareham forest, or the trust 10k route at Studland. The Sika trail is about 7 miles, and is actually pretty flat, with the odd slope. Its quite well signposted but in summer it is a popular family cycle trail so may be difficult to run on. It is forestry commission with free parking at either the Sika car park or there are some other options you can join the trail at via a short track. The dog ran off the harness all morning and love it. Its forestry fire tracks so not technical but you get a series of lovely sections of scrub, conifer and the odd view over some paddocks. The trust 10k on the other hand was a touch more challenging. Held once a month, these free events are held around the country but the courses are marked the whole time. This one was relatively easy to follow but just check a map first. It starts at Knoll beach cafe (parking from 9am do note! I had to park elsewhere and join the trail further up) and after a section of beach, winds in to the edge of the pretty village of Studland before heading up a long steep road then bridleway on to Ballard down. From here you get some amazing views over Studland, Swanage, across to Bournemouth, and then you head round by Old Harry rocks. It isn't technical but the hill and beach are killer, and you finish going down a bridleway then back the way you came via Studland and the beach. There are several cafes at Studland beach (to get over the shock of the hill), the Bankes Arms pub and lots of parking, but it does get busy in summer and I kept the dog on the lead a lot due to cliffs and farmland. There is also a new trail based parkrun at Durlston country park I haven't done yet, but will feedback if I do. 

On the Trust 10k

For those that can mostly read a map you can do many sections of coast path and either create circles or do out and backs. The coast here is pretty undulating but perhaps not quite as savage as Cornwall. There are some points of interest to take breaks at, particularly the old quarries, but there is also a section that is used by the military for tank drills a lot of the year (Tyneham is fascinating if you do get chance to visit though). By Swanage you can use Durlston country park and come back via several footpaths. There is a short loop with a set of wicked steps and a marvellous medieval chapel at St Aldhelm's head (park at Renscombe farm, go out to the coast path, round and back along the bridle path, reverse only if brave!). Parking at Worth Matravers you can run down to Winspit quarries and admire the caves before heading either way along the coast path to create some amazing loops, perhaps going to Dancing ledge and up to the Spyway barn before back along the Priest's way. The Square and compass in Worth Matravers is an old fashioned pub with amazing views from its garden and gets a lot of recommendations (no food, for that go to Kingston's  Scott's Arms). 

To St Aldhelm's head 

Ballard down, nine barrow down and Knowle hill form an amazing ridge that can be run as an out and back or returning by other routes. A great circular route to do is to start in Swanage, head up to Ballard down, along and to nine barrow down, Brenscombe hill and then drop down in to Corfe for a closer view of the ruined castle. Now from here you can jump on a bus or steam train back to Swanage, or head out across Corfe Common, either heading for historic Kingston via the Hardy way, or more directly to the coast via the Purbeck way before taking either the coast path, priest's way or the middle track back to Swanage. It is quite a run but you get some amazing views of many of the Purbeck highlights. 

Among events down there, Maverick run some, the Purbeck Plod comes to mind and there a series of local club events I suspect are great value. Its trail more than fell but its certainly not easy. I am looking forward to head back a lot sooner this time, and continuing to add to my many happy childhood memories.