Kayaking out to Old Harry Rocks on the Jurassic Coast
My husband has kayaked out to Old Harry Rocks with Kian a few times now, but I have always been left in charge of the small people.
Last week was our 14th wedding anniversary and when he asked what I wanted to do, it was top of my wish list.
We booked a half day Old Harry Rocks Tour with Fore Adventure, who are based in Middle Beach car park in Studland Bay.
The tour starts on the beach, with an introduction to the tandem kayaks and how to use them safely by our guide for the day, Josh.
The bay is shallow and sheltered, so the perfect location to learn how to kayak.
We hugged the coastline as we kayaked out to Old Harry Rocks, with Josh pointing out interesting things to see both under and above the water, with plenty of nesting birds and their chicks to see.
The water was calm and clear until we rounded the huge chalk stacks, where on the sea facing side of the coastline, we headed towards Swanage, which was a bit harder going as we faced more choppy seas.
We paddled up as far as Parson’s nose chalk stack and ate at sample of fresh seaweed before turning around and to head back towards Old Harry Rocks, where we got to get out of our kayaks and explore.
It is quite slippery underfoot, but looking at the chalk arches and stacks up close, is fascinating.
Josh pointed out fault lines which contain flint and gives the rocks a pinkish tinge in places.
Josh told us all about the history of the rocks, including how they were named – apparently after the devil, although many think it’s after the infamous Poole pirate, Harry Paye.
The half day kayak tour takes around 3 hours and sees you kayak for around 4.5 miles in total.
Fore Adventure provide a wet suit, floatation aid, helmet, jacket, the kayak and a tour guide. I highly recommend that you wear sturdy wet shoes, so you can confidently navigate the area around Old Harry Rocks.
A half day Old Harry Rock Tour from Fore Adventure costs ÂŁ50 per person and is suitable for adults and children aged 12+.
For those with younger adventurers, they also run a 2 hour tour for ÂŁ35 per person which is suitable for those aged 8+ – find out more at www.foreadventure.co.uk
Treasure Every Moment
Oh wow what a fun adventure! The Jurassic Coast is such a beautiful coastline, so where better to kayak?! 🙂
Liona
What an adventure and so beautiful. I would love to do this someday.
Steph
I love this, I really want to try Kayaking now!
Angela Milnes
This sounds awesome. I had never heard of the Jurassic Coast before. I loved kayaking as a child.
What Mum Loves
Congratulations on your anniversary! You chose such a fun way to celebrate it. Love the views, too x
Claire
I absolutely loved kayaking as a kid but I’ve not done it in years.
I think if I was it would have to be somewhere like this, what incredible views. Your pictures come to life!
Rebecca Smith
Sounds like a fantastic experience! Congratulations on your anniversary
Rhian Westbury
Kayaking sounds like a lot of fun, especially to celebrate an anniversary. Looks like you had a great time.
kumamonjeng
The view in the Jurassic Coast is stunning and doing kayaking here is brilliant. I have never tried kayaking before and love to try it once.
Valerie
I’ve never been to the Jurassic Coast but photos like these make me want to go. It looks beautiful, and that looks like a great place for beginners to start kayaking.
Kat&Phil
What a stunning landscape!! Looks like the perfect place to kayak. Thanks for the inspiration!
serin quinn
It looks so beautiful! I really need to see more of this part of the world!
Newcastle FamilyLife
I have never been kayaking before, it bet it was a lovely experience. It looks like you had a nice day for it x
Nayna Kanabar
This sounds like a lovely day out and so much fun .
Myrah Duque
England is so filled with great surprises! My daughter loves kayaking, so this would be a thrill for her. What great photos.
Kirsty
I love going kayaking, what a unique way to celebrate your anniversary. It looks like you had a good one.
Jasmine Hewitt
Congratulations on your anniversary. kayaking is a great way to celebrate
amara_brown
Great Pictures . Thanks for sharing
Charli Bruce
What a great way to celebrate your anniversary! I would love to do something like this but have a self-inflicted fear of water that I keep on letting get worse.
Alexandra Cook
Looks like you found a great spot to enjoy kayaking! I haven’t been to this place but interesting destinations like this are definitely on our list!
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
What a wonderful way to celebrate your wedding anniversary. A beautiful place to visit, so much to learn about the area
Jennifer
It sounds and looks amazing. We love the Jurassic Coast, it’s stunning.
Aparna verma
Kayaking is love. I live in Mumbai India and have never got any chance to try kayaking. But now I am planning to go Himachal Pradesh with my fellow friends and there we are surely gonna try this adventurous water sport. Thanks for sharing such interesting post. Cheers!!!!
Lara jarvis
I’ve been wanting to visit this coast for so long, your photos are incredible – who knew such beautiful views existed along our coast. This looks like a brilliant place to celebrate xx