14 Strangers,Sand ,Cliffs & a Castle

 


My journey began at the breathtaking Studland Bay, a stunning stretch of golden sand offering panoramic views of the Isle of Wight. The beach was peaceful that morning, Studland Bay, a heaven for nature lovers, the perfect starting point for an unforgettable hike…

No wait, go back—the adventure began in front of the hotel in West London, where I met a group of 14 strangers, but like me, crazy about hiking. So today, a group hike!

After over 3hrs drive, I can honestly say now that my journey starts here, at the gorgeous Studland Bay…

Our destination is Corfe Castle, a historic fortress nestled in the Purbeck Hills, but first, we are going for a rendezvous with the iconic Old Harry Rocks. These majestic chalk formations, standing guard at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, have been sculpted by the relentless forces of nature over millions of years. The white cliffs literally gleam in the morning light, what an amazing view!

 As we set off from Studland Bay, the coastal path led us through rolling sand dunes and heath-land teeming with wildlife.

 


Upon reaching the cliffs, the view was nothing short of spectacular. The Old Harry Rocks stood proudly against the deep blue of the English Channel, their sheer faces dropping dramatically to the waves below. According to legend, these rocks are named after the infamous pirate, Harry Paye, who used the formations as a hiding place for his plundered treasures. Standing there, it was easy to imagine the tales of old coming to life, the ghosts of pirates and smugglers whispering in the wind. 👻 Alright, it was easy for me because I kind of like the stories behind nature's wonders... I have no idea what the rest were imagining, but someone in the group pulled out a box of chocolates to share, and that was the end of my deep thoughts 😆

 


Leaving Old Harry Rocks behind, the path took us inland, winding through lush green pastures and ancient woodlands. The route was well-marked, but the sense of adventure never waned. Every so often, we caught glimpses of the sea… just beautiful! 

After a few hours of trekking(approximately 5🙌),we finally saw the imposing silhouette of Corfe Castle rising above the village of Corfe. This fortress, with its thousand-year history, has witnessed some of the most turbulent times in English history.

As we explored the ruins, the stories of the past seemed to echo from every corner (yeah,I know,👻). The castle's strategic location, commanding views of the surrounding countryside, made it a prize worth fighting for.Standing on the castle's ramparts, we looked back towards Studland Bay and the path we had hiked. The journey had been challenging, but every step was rewarded with awe-inspiring views and a deep connection to the landscape's history.

Not to mention the fantastic hike folks from all sorts of backgrounds. Chatting with them and laughing so hard left me breathless at times while hiking …

 until the next one !

The freedom of traveling #goWest

Much love,  Magda West


Location: Old Harry Rocks BH19 3AN, UK

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