Old Harry Rocks (ancient chalk on Jurassic Coast)
Old Harry Rocks are a set of chalk formations on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, formed around 65 million years ago. Now owned by the National Trust, they once were part of a chalk ridge that connected Purbeck to the Isle of Wight, before breaking becoming separated, due to coastal erosion.
Situated at Handfast Point (near Studland and Swanage), the rocks form a stunning highlight, for anyone walking the South West Coast Path.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
On a clear day, see the Isle of Wight
From these rocks you can see The Needles (a set of tall chalk rocks on the Isle of Wight), again one of these collapse in a storm, and fell into the sea.
Made from ancient microscopic creatures
The chalk is actually made from compacted skeletons of microscopic plankton, that lives over 65 million years ago. Today the rock constantly change form due to waves and water, which force air and cracks into the chalk).
Harry’s wife collapsed into the sea!
No-one is sure who ‘Harry’ was, but until 1896, ‘Harry’s wife’ (a stack nearby) also stood. But collapsed into the sea (again due to coastal erosion), leaving behind just a stump.
