Walking around Poole is unusually easy going, because the harbour shore is flat and continuous for miles.
The harbour shoreline: flat, long, and all water
From Baiter round past the marina to Hamworthy, level the whole way, with the water beside you and the Twin Sails Bridge to cross. You can extend it to Upton Country Park for more shoreline and parkland.
The chines: short, shaded, with a swim at the end
The wooded valleys at Canford Cliffs and Branksome cut from the clifftop down to the sand. Fifteen minutes down through trees, a beach at the bottom, and a steeper walk back. The best short walk in Poole.
The Cockle Trail: ninety minutes through 800 years
Marked in the pavement through the Old Town, linking the Quay, the Guildhall and Scaplen’s Court. Free, flat, and more interesting than it sounds.
Brownsea Island: a walk you take a boat to
Twenty minutes from the Quay, then woodland and heath paths with red squirrels in the pines and a lagoon full of birds. See Brownsea Island.
Old Harry Rocks: the serious one
Take the chain ferry from Sandbanks, four minutes, and walk the coast path from Studland to the chalk stacks where the Jurassic Coast begins. A mile and a half each way, gentle climbing, very large views.
Before you go
Keep to paths on the heath, particularly from spring to late summer when birds are nesting on the ground. Take a windproof layer whatever the forecast said in town. See Respect, Protect, Enjoy.