The best running trails around Purbeck

The Experience Today Standing next to it today, you realize it’s more than just a pillar; it’s a monument to the connection between London and the Dorset coast. It’s a bit of a "geographic hug"—on one side you have the sweep of Swanage Bay, and on the other, the massive expanse of Poole Harbour. It’s the perfect place to lean against the cold stone, catch your breath, and realise you’re touching a piece of 19th-century London history that just happened to find a better view in Dorset.

The "Why" Behind the Hill Burt didn't just put it there because it looked nice. He dedicated it to his uncle and mentor, John Mowlem (another massive figure in Swanage history). But there was a practical side, too: A Landmark: It served as a waypoint for ships navigating the tricky waters around Old Harry Rocks. The View: Burt was obsessed with showing off the beauty of his hometown. By placing it on the ridge, he essentially gave people a reason to climb the hill and look down at the town he was helping to build. The Great Disappearing Act (WWII) If you look closely at the obelisk today, it looks remarkably "clean." That’s because the one you see now is a reconstruction. During World War II, the original stone obelisk was considered a "navigational hazard." The British military was worried that German pilots would use the tall, white stone pillar as a landmark to help them find their bearings for bombing raids on nearby Bournemouth or Poole. So, in 1941, they knocked it down. For decades, it lay in pieces in the grass. It wasn't until 1973 that the Encombe Estate and local residents gathered the resources to rebuild it (using a mix of the original stone and some fresh Purbeck masonry) to celebrate "Plant a Tree in '73"—though ironic, as there isn't a tree in sight on that windy ridge!

If you’ve been hiking those ridges, that lone stone pillar standing guard over Swanage has likely caught your eye. It’s officially known as the Ballard Down Obelisk (or the Burt Memorial), and the story behind it is a classic tale of Victorian pride, a bit of eccentricity, and some very literal "re-gifting." The "Stolen" Monument The obelisk wasn't originally built for the Purbeck Hills. It actually started its life in London. In the mid-1800s, it served as a monument to a man named James Thompson, standing near the entrance to the Vauxhall Bridge. However, when the bridge was being rebuilt in the late 19th century, the obelisk became an "obstruction" and was destined for the scrap heap. Enter George Burt: The Man Who Moved London Swanage looks the way it does today largely because of George Burt, a local businessman who ran a massive masonry firm in London. He had a habit of taking "architectural leftovers" from London and shipping them back to Swanage as ballast on his empty stone boats. When he saw the obelisk was going to be demolished in 1892, he stepped in. He didn't just save it; he dismantled it, shipped it down the coast, and hauled it all the way to the top of Ballard Down.

Formerly an "anvil" shape with a flat top, in 1970 it fell on one end and one side, leaving the top at an angle of about 45°.

Can get access at low tide. Watch your footing on the descent down.

If you're looking for a quintessentially relaxing Dorset scene, Moreton FordClick to open side panel for more information and its accompanying footbridge are about as idyllic as it gets. Located on the River Frome near the village of Moreton, this spot is a favorite for locals and visitors alike who want to enjoy the water without necessarily getting their feet wet. The footbridge itself is a long, narrow wooden structure that runs parallel to one of the longest fords in the south of England. It was built to allow pedestrians to cross safely when the river level is high or when vehicles are splashing through the shallow water. A Hub for "Splashy" Fun: The area around the bridge is a local hotspot for families. On a warm day, you'll see children paddling in the shallow, clear water, dogs leaping after sticks, and even horses being ridden through the ford. A Scenic Shortcut: The bridge serves as a key link for several famous walking routes, including the Lawrence of Arabia Trail and the Jubilee Trail. Crossing it leads you directly into the shaded, peaceful tracks of Moreton Plantation. The "Nature Watch" Spot: Because the bridge puts you right over the center of the river, it’s a perfect place to pause and look for minnows in the gravelly shallows or watch the elegant swans that frequently glide by. Photographer's Dream: With the thatched cottages of the village in the background and the light reflecting off the wide, shimmering expanse of the ford, it is widely considered one of the most "Instagrammable" spots in rural Dorset.

If you’re looking for one of the most poignant and peaceful spots in Dorset, St Nicholas’ Church in Moreton is a absolute must. It’s famous for two very different reasons: its incredible "ice-like" windows and its connection to T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Here is the lowdown on why this little village church is so unique: The Church of Light St Nicholas isn't your typical dark, moody medieval church. During WWII, a stray German bomb landed in the nearby graveyard, blowing out all the original Victorian stained glass. Instead of replacing it with traditional colored glass, the community eventually commissioned the artist Sir Laurence Whistler. Between 1955 and 1984, he replaced every single window with engraved clear glass. The Effect: When the sun shines through, the church doesn't turn red or blue; it stays brilliantly bright. The engravings—of butterflies, trees, stars, and even local landscapes—look like they are floating in mid-air or etched into frost on the panes. The "Forgiveness" Window: Look for the window with a small Judas tree; it’s a subtle, beautiful nod to the idea of redemption. While the church is a work of art, many people visit specifically to pay respects to T.E. Lawrence. The Connection: Lawrence lived nearby at his tiny cottage, Clouds Hill (which is also worth a visit). He was a local figure who loved speeding through the Dorset lanes on his Brough Superior motorcycle—which, sadly, is how he met his end in a crash just down the road in 1935. The Gravesite: He isn’t buried inside the church, but in the separate cemetery just a short, signposted walk across the road. The Vibe: His grave is surprisingly humble for a man of such global fame. It’s a simple stone slab with a carved effigy of a knight's shield and the words "The Hour is Coming." You’ll often find small tributes left there—sometimes coins, sometimes desert sand, or even sprigs of local heather.

St Nicholas ChurchClick to open side panel for more information is a remarkably well-preserved Norman building, often cited as one of the oldest churches in Dorset. Its sturdy limestone exterior reflects the rugged character of the surrounding Purbeck landscape. Ancient Architecture: Dating back to around 1100, the church features a distinct Norman nave and chancel, with a notable carved doorway and a hauntingly beautiful interior. Unique Details: Inside, you can find a 13th-century font and a stone floor that has been smoothed by centuries of footsteps. Maritime Connection: Given its proximity to the coast, it has long served as a spiritual sanctuary for local fishermen and quarrymen.