Living in Poole, Dorset, we have access to a whole array of fabulous days out on our doorstep, with the New Forest, beaches, the Jurassic Coast and rolling countryside all within easy reach.
For my birthday last month Hubby and I walked the southwest coast path from Studland to Old Harry Rocks, and knowing Hubby was keen to kayak around the rocks, I arranged for him and Kian to do a half day Old Harry Rocks Tour for his birthday last week.
Sadly I didn’t get to join them as I was working, but they had the perfect conditions for their day; there was a light breeze and the sea was like a mill-pond!
The tour starts from Middle Beach in Studland, the perfect location to learn to kayak as the bay is sheltered and the water shallow. It is also much less crowded than the busier beaches of Bournemouth and Poole.
From Middle Beach there are stunning views over to Old Harry Rocks whose location marks the start of the 96 mile Jurassic Coast coastline.
It takes around 45 minutes to get out to Old Harry Rocks and the real benefit of booking a half day tour, is that you get time to hop out of your kayak’s to explore the iconic chalk stack and its surrounding caves.
Fore Adventure provide all the equipment you need, but also recommend that you wear sturdy shoes as it is quite slippery around the rocks, thanks to all the seaweed.
Josh, the guide for the day, was very knowledgable about the rocks and their history as they are packed full of myths, magic and legend, with pirates and even the Devil himself making their shady contribution to the history of Dorset.
Even if you are not a geology enthusiast the cliffs and rocks are fascinating to see as there is a real mix of naturally formed stacks and arches.
At Ballard Point the Chalk lays vertically, however to the north it has a low dip and is almost horizontal.
The tour took them just past the stack that looks like a tooth, before it was time to start heading back again.
A half day Old Harry Rock Tour from Fore Adventure costs £50 per person, lasts for around 4 hours and is suitable for adults and children aged 12+.
For those with younger children, they also do a 2 hour tour for £35 per person which is suitable for those aged 8+.
Fore Adventure also offer kayak and paddleboard courses, foraging and feasting, bushcraft and kids holiday clubs. Check their website for more details: www.foreadventure.co.uk
This looks like a great activity to do now the weather is warming up.
Wow, this looks brilliant! I love adventure stuff like this, especially during the Summer months!
This sounds like a good adventure. I love the sound of it all.
Oh what a beautiful part of the world! It looks like a great adventure. Kaz x
Such lovely weather for kayaking! Love that part of the world, Swanage is a lovely spot.
Sounds like you had an awesome time . Scott would love to explore somewhere like this in the summer 🙂
This looks like such a fun experience, I’d love to do it myself!
My mummy would love to go kayaking and she loved doing it when she was younger. The Old Harry Rock Tour sounds great! We’d definitely head down from Hampshire to do this x
My kids would love this, how amazing to have something so close to you. What a fab place to live as well 🙂
What a fab experience and perfect for the summer! Looks like you had fun!
This sounds such a great day out and the pictures are beautiful. I cannot believe how still and clear the sea is looking. Caribbean or Bournemouth?
C x
I’ve only kayaked in a sw8mming pool so to experience it in the sea and go cave exploring sounds heavenly. It must have been such a fun day for you all apart form you having to work.
I would love to visit Dorset one day plus this 4 hour tour sounds incredible and so beautiful
Oh wow, what an amazing thing to do! I love kayaking, and that scenery is amazing!
Absolutely beautiful scenery. I’m not sure we’re ready for kayaking yet but we have just bought a couple of paddleboards. I’m rubbish on the water so I have a lot of practising to do.
I would love to something like this, as was really into canoeing when I was younger (used to be a scout!). I love that area of the UK too, you’re so lucky to live there x
I’d love to do this. It looked fab and a great way to explore. Seems good value for money
The Rocks & The Water Looks Beautiful! You’re the right! best way to learn Kayaking in shallow water and if the water is crystal it bring the cherry on the top! anyhow how was your experiencing… did you guys do some hiking!
The rotational movements you do in paddleboarding can be very demanding to your core muscles and thus, these would give the muscles a good workout. The demand for balance and stabilization can also contribute to the improvement of your abs.