The Old Harry Rocks lie just off the coast between Studland and Swanage. There are quite dramatic chalk cliffs here. If I look at old maps
I find that along with old Harry there used to be old Harry’s wife. But since the above map was made, about 120 years ago, there has been much erosion. Old Harry’s wife got split into seven and these have vanished now and the area tends to get referred to as Old Harry Rocks.
When we approached the area, we gradually climbed up onto the chalk cliffs from low lying Studland.
There was a rich variety of flora growing out of the springy, chalkland turf.
Birds chirrupped cheerfully. In fact we had the permanent and joyful song of skylarks accompanying us, but this little specimen may be no more than a dunnock.
Back inland we could see some of Studland and the downs.
But we were now in cliff territory.
We had all the drama of the vertical landscape.
The sea, down below looked very clear.
The cliffs provided the up-wind to keep the gulls soaring.
As we neared Old Harry it was clear the area attracted school trips.
Old Harry Rocks is in the care of the National Trust.
It is hard to compare this with that 1890 map so let’s have a modern one as well.
There is so much less there now. I think, originally, the small rock was Old Harry and the larger rock was part of the mainland.
There are numerous stories about the name. Many say Old Harry is the devil, and one could see that this area would be devilish in a sailing boat in poor weather. Another story says the rocks were named after a Poole pirate, Harry Paye, who hid his contraband booty in this area.
However it is, or was, the area is dramatic. It’s an exciting place to be.
It is still possible to look over the cliffs into gentle Studland Bay but the drifting gulls, surely, have the best view.
