Poole Harbour loop - Dorset

Bike touring routes & trails

Poole Harbour loop - Dorset

Moderate

4.3

(24)

391

riders

Poole Harbour loop - Dorset

02:58

49.0km

330m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The route includes a crossing by ferry. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 12, 2024

This route includes a ferry crossing

Tips

Includes a ferry crossing

Check ferry timetable.

After 40.6 km for 330 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

910 m

Twin Sails Bridge

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

The Twin Sails Bridge (also known as The Second Harbour Crossing) is a double leaved bascule bridge in Poole, Dorset, England. The bridge provides a second road link from Poole Town Centre to Hamworthy. The intention is that the bridge will allow development of four major sites, two in the town centre and two in Hamworthy, including the old power station, which was closed in 1988.

Tip by

7.30 km

The Cowshed Dorset Café

Highlight • Cafe

thecowsheddorset.co.uk

Open everyday 9am–5pm

Decent food and friendly staff.

Bicycle friendly

Tip by

17.1 km

Wareham Quay

Highlight • Historical Site

A historic market town on the banks of the River Frome in Dorset, Wareham has plenty of pretty buildings and riverside relaxation spots. The quayside is particularly lovely with the Old Granary pub, benches for watching the ducks go by and even a traditional market.

It's an ideal place for a snack stop on a bike ride in the area and is also the start of the Purbeck Cycle Ride.

Tip by

23.3 km

Hartland Moor

Highlight • Cycleway

always lovely to cycle across the heathlands and nature reserves between Wareham and Corfe rather than the shorter and much busier direct road

Tip by

26.4 km

Corfe Castle Ruins

Highlight • Castle

High above this village towers the ruins of a castle that was built here by William the Conqueror. During the English Civil War (1642-1651), Corfe Castle remained a royal stronghold for a long time, but in 1645 it was blown up by supporters of Parliament. From the adjoining garden of the National Trust's tearoom you can clearly see how crooked the robust walls and gates have become as a result of gunpowder explosions.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

36.6 km

Studland Bay

Highlight • Trail

Studland has a long stretch of stunning sandy beach, which can be accessed off of Ferry Road at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach (north to south). There is a a vast area of woodland, heathland and dunes to explore behind them as well. The area is owned by the National Trust, so there are the usual cafes, shops and other facilities.

Tip by

40.7 km

Sandbanks Ferry

Highlight • Structure

Only £1 to cross by bike. The ferry runs from 7am until 11pm, typically every 20 minutes.

Check out more at sandbanksferry.co.uk/timetable.php

Tip by

42.6 km

Sandbanks Beach and Chain Ferry

Highlight • Beach

With some of the most expensive real estate in the world (yes, really), riding through Sandbanks is a cool way for passing from the more metropolitan Dorset to the more rural Dorset at the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Here's where you'll find a little chain ferry to Studland.

Find the ferry timetable here: sandbanksferry.co.uk

Tip by

48.1 km

Poole Harbour

Highlight • River

Small commercial port but many and large marinas throughout the port area. Dominating everything is the huge shipyard where large motor ships of the Sunseeker brand are produced.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

49.0 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types