Ballard Cliff

Cliff, Slope in Dorset

England

Ballard Cliff

Sandy path near Studland beach A sandy path passing beach huts overlooking Studland beach, photographed on a dull and murky day in August 2021. This area is owned and managed by the National Trust. — Sandy path near Studland beach Credit: Malc McDonald

Ballard Cliff is a prominent geological feature located in Dorset, England. It is situated on the Isle of Purbeck, overlooking Swanage Bay and the English Channel. This cliff is known for its striking beauty, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Rising to a height of approximately 60 meters, Ballard Cliff is composed of layers of sedimentary rock, primarily consisting of limestone and shale. These rock formations date back millions of years and provide a glimpse into the geological history of the region.

The cliff is characterized by its steep slopes and rugged terrain, which make it an ideal spot for hiking and exploring nature. Its exposed rock faces showcase unique patterns and textures, carved by the forces of erosion over time. Visitors can often spot fossils embedded within the rocks, offering a glimpse into the ancient marine life that once inhabited this area.

Ballard Cliff is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The cliffside vegetation includes hardy grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs that have adapted to the challenging conditions of the exposed coastal environment. Birdwatchers can observe various seabirds soaring above the cliff, including gulls, cormorants, and puffins during the breeding season.

Due to its scenic beauty and geological significance, Ballard Cliff attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning coastline of Dorset and immerse oneself in its rich natural heritage.

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Ballard Cliff Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.630429/-1.9400274 or Grid Reference SZ0481. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sandy path near Studland beach A sandy path passing beach huts overlooking Studland beach, photographed on a dull and murky day in August 2021. This area is owned and managed by the National Trust.

Sandy path near Studland beach

A sandy path passing beach huts overlooking Studland beach, photographed on a dull and murky day in August 2021. This area is owned and managed by the National Trust.

Fort Henry, Studland, near Swanage Fort Henry is an observation bunker overlooking Poole Bay. It was built during the Second World War. Although it is sometimes claimed it was built to assist in defending Britain&#039;s coastline against enemy invasion, that is not so. The bunker was built to observe practice landings in preparation for D-Day.

This image was taken on a dull and murky day in August 2021, with poor visibility.

Fort Henry, Studland, near Swanage

Fort Henry is an observation bunker overlooking Poole Bay. It was built during the Second World War. Although it is sometimes claimed it was built to assist in defending Britain's coastline against enemy invasion, that is not so. The bunker was built to observe practice landings in preparation for D-Day. This image was taken on a dull and murky day in August 2021, with poor visibility.

South West Coast Path at Studland This path in the village of Studland forms part of the South West Coast Path.

South West Coast Path at Studland

This path in the village of Studland forms part of the South West Coast Path.

Bankes Arms, Studland The Bankes Arms pub, in the village of Studland. The pub is believed to date from the 16th Century.

The South West Coast Path follows the lane past the pub.

Bankes Arms, Studland

The Bankes Arms pub, in the village of Studland. The pub is believed to date from the 16th Century. The South West Coast Path follows the lane past the pub.

Manor Road, Studland Manor Road is a lane in the village of Studland, in Dorset. It is on the route of the South West Coast Path.

The building to the left of the image is a public toilet.

Manor Road, Studland

Manor Road is a lane in the village of Studland, in Dorset. It is on the route of the South West Coast Path. The building to the left of the image is a public toilet.

South West Coast Path near Studland The South West Coast Path near the village of Studland, in Dorset. A marker stone stands to the right of the path.

South West Coast Path near Studland

The South West Coast Path near the village of Studland, in Dorset. A marker stone stands to the right of the path.

South West Coast Path near Studland A view of the South West Coast Path, with Studland Bay visible to the right.

South West Coast Path near Studland

A view of the South West Coast Path, with Studland Bay visible to the right.

Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage Old Harry Rocks are sea stacks off Handfast Point (The Foreland), north of Swanage. They are formed of chalk and are classic features of coastal erosion. The rocks are under constant attack from the sea and Harry has already lost a &quot;wife&quot;.

Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage

Old Harry Rocks are sea stacks off Handfast Point (The Foreland), north of Swanage. They are formed of chalk and are classic features of coastal erosion. The rocks are under constant attack from the sea and Harry has already lost a "wife".

Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage A National Trust sign at Old Harry Rocks, indicating that the National Trust owns and manages the land here.

Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage

A National Trust sign at Old Harry Rocks, indicating that the National Trust owns and manages the land here.

Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage A view of Old Harry Rocks and Poole Bay, taken on a dull and cloudy day in August 2021.

Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage

A view of Old Harry Rocks and Poole Bay, taken on a dull and cloudy day in August 2021.

Cliffs and stacks at The Foreland, near Swanage Cliffs and stacks on the Jurassic coastline close to Old Harry Rocks.

Cliffs and stacks at The Foreland, near Swanage

Cliffs and stacks on the Jurassic coastline close to Old Harry Rocks.

South West Coast Path at The Foreland, near Swanage A view of the South West Coast Path as it approaches Old Harry Rocks, on the Jurassic coastline near Swanage.

South West Coast Path at The Foreland, near Swanage

A view of the South West Coast Path as it approaches Old Harry Rocks, on the Jurassic coastline near Swanage.

South West Coast Path at The Foreland, near Swanage A view of the South West Coast Path on The Foreland, on the Isle of Purbeck.

South West Coast Path at The Foreland, near Swanage

A view of the South West Coast Path on The Foreland, on the Isle of Purbeck.

South West Coast Path near Swanage The South West Coast Path heading towards Old Harry Rocks, on the Isle of Purbeck. Visible in this image are chalk cliffs and a sea stack, one of several here. In the background is Poole Bay, looking towards Bournemouth.

South West Coast Path near Swanage

The South West Coast Path heading towards Old Harry Rocks, on the Isle of Purbeck. Visible in this image are chalk cliffs and a sea stack, one of several here. In the background is Poole Bay, looking towards Bournemouth.

South West Coast Path near Swanage The South West Coast Path, near Ballard Point on the Isle of Purbeck. Another path branches off through the gate and across the field.

South West Coast Path near Swanage

The South West Coast Path, near Ballard Point on the Isle of Purbeck. Another path branches off through the gate and across the field.

South West Coast Path near Swanage A view of the South West Coast Path near Ballard Point, looking towards Old Harry Rocks and Poole Bay. Visible to the right of the chalk cliffs are a couple of sea stacks.

South West Coast Path near Swanage

A view of the South West Coast Path near Ballard Point, looking towards Old Harry Rocks and Poole Bay. Visible to the right of the chalk cliffs are a couple of sea stacks.

South West Coast Path near Swanage A view of the South West Coast Path as it follows the clifftops near Ballard Point, on the Isle of Purbeck.

South West Coast Path near Swanage

A view of the South West Coast Path as it follows the clifftops near Ballard Point, on the Isle of Purbeck.

Clifftop at Ballard Point, near Swanage Grass on the clifftop at Ballard Point overlooking Swanage Bay and the town of Swanage.

Clifftop at Ballard Point, near Swanage

Grass on the clifftop at Ballard Point overlooking Swanage Bay and the town of Swanage.

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Ballard Cliff is located at Grid Ref: SZ0481 (Lat: 50.630429, Lng: -1.9400274)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///revisits.lions.shunted. Near Swanage, Dorset

Nearby Locations

Ballard Cliff Ballard Point King Barrow

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.630429,-1.9400274

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6285145/-1.9458118

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6288131/-1.945228

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6292397/-1.9444686

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.629367/-1.9437787

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6295831/-1.9426645

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6297993/-1.9412175

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6299223/-1.9401706

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6301449/-1.9385331

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6303293/-1.9378747

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6305282/-1.9370163

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6306311/-1.9362004

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6307373/-1.9353115

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6308496/-1.9341002

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 50.6308925/-1.9334066

Man Made: survey_point

Lat/Long: 50.631694/-1.9389011

Barrier: kissing_gate

Lat/Long: 50.6306202/-1.9451805

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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