Walking & Trails in Poole

Flat harbour shoreline, wooded chines down to the sand, the Cockle Trail through the Old Town and the coast path beyond.

Walking in Poole is unusually easy going, because the harbour shore is flat and continuous for miles.

Around the harbour

From Baiter round past the marina to Hamworthy is level the whole way, with the water beside you and the Twin Sails Bridge to cross. Upton Country Park adds parkland and more shoreline on the north-west side.

Down the chines

The wooded valleys at Canford Cliffs and Branksome cut from the clifftop down to the sand. Short, shaded and satisfying, with a swim at the bottom.

Through the history

The Cockle Trail runs through the Old Town, marked underfoot, free, about ninety minutes.

The serious coast

Take the chain ferry to Studland and walk the South West Coast Path over the headland to Old Harry Rocks, roughly a mile and a half each way with a gentle climb and the whole Jurassic Coast opening up in front of you.

Keep to paths on the heath and read Respect, Protect, Enjoy.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What are the best walks in Poole?

The harbourside path from Baiter to Hamworthy, the shoreline at Upton Country Park, the chines down to the beaches at Branksome and Canford Cliffs, and the Cockle Trail through the Old Town. Across the water, Studland to Old Harry Rocks is the best coastal walk within reach.

Is there a coastal path at Poole?

The South West Coast Path runs along the Dorset coast, and the stretch from Studland over the headland to Old Harry Rocks is reached from Poole in minutes via the Sandbanks chain ferry.

Are Poole's walks flat?

Mostly, yes. The harbour shoreline and the parks are level and surfaced in places, which makes them suitable for buggies and for anyone who would rather not climb. The chines involve a slope, and the coast path at Studland has gentle climbs.

What is the Cockle Trail?

A free, self-guided walking route through Poole Old Town, marked on the ground, linking the Quay, the Guildhall, Scaplen's Court and the merchant streets.

Planning your visit?

Where to stay in Poole

Sandbanks hotels, harbourside flats a street back from the Quay and the quieter beds out at Hamworthy and Broadstone, with the areas each one suits.

Where to stay →