Top 3 Kayaking Locations in Dorset

There are some incredible places to paddle in Purbeck. Here are our top three spots…

Location 1: Old Harry Rocks

Old Harry Rocks is an iconic feature of the Dorset landscape. The towering chalk stacks used to be part of the ridge which connected the chalk downs of Purbeck with the Isle of Wight. On a calm day, Old Harry is a short paddle from Studland Beach. The journey to Old Harry from Swanage is longer and much more exposed and should be experienced as part of a group. This tour is £55 with Land & Wave.

Location 2: Durdle Door

The leaping arch of Durdle Door is superb to visit on the water. The beach at Lulworth Cove is the closest easy place to launch from and the paddle west to reach Durdle Door is breath-taking; caves, cliffs, wildlife and perfect clear water. The paddle from Lulworth Cove to the Door is about a mile for confident kayakers or guided groups.

Location 3: Swanage Bay

Swanage Bay is a beautiful place to paddle a kayak on a Summer’s day, hand lining for mackerel is brilliant fun, very easy and can catch you loads of fish. Confident kayakers can explore as far as Ballard Down, Pevril Ledges and Durlston Bay. Durlston Bay is renowned for the number of dolphin sightings each year and ‘Ron Seal’ is a frequent visitor to Swanage Bay. Two hour tours are £30 and launch from Ocean Bay beach throughout the Summer holidays. Discover the Jurassic Coast in Dorset by Kayak

07 March 2015 by Owen Senior