Agglestone Rock, also known as the Devil's Anvil, is a sandstone block of about 400 tonnes weight, perched on a conical hill, approximately 1-mile from the village of Studland, south Dorset.
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I was sceptical at first....what’s so great about a big old lump of stone on a hill??...plus how can such a sizeable lump of rock remain unseen despite walking regularly in the Purbecks for nearly fifty years??
So we decided to solve the mystery and visit Agglestone for the first time on a bitingly cold and bright day in February. The helpful ladies from the National Trust at Studland told us to walk along the shore to Middle Beach cafe (couldn’t resist a coffee and slice of their delicious Apple Cake as fuel for the journey), past the car park and up the pretty bridleway avoiding stepping on the crocuses on the way. It’s then over the main Ferry Road (watch out for speeding Lycra clad cyclists intent on missing the view!) past the stables and next left where the battle with the mud begins!!
There are some friendly locals in a field enjoying their lunchtime hay and four legs would definitely be the way to travel for the next stage. The path winds through woodland and after volleying a stream you gain your first glimpse of the rock high on the left. It’s a bit like seeing Blackpool Tower for the first time from the train!
The path has boardwalks to take you over the boggiest parts but as you climb it’s inevitable that your best walking boots will become covered - wellies are best. The final assault is some pretty fearsome steps but as you arrive at the top there’s a definite sense of achievement:-)
The rock itself is quite beautiful and will have you researching its geology when you get home...(how did it get there?- It’s a Tor I think). The views are fantastic- Poole Harbour, Studland Heath and shore, across to Bournemouth and the flash of the Needles on the Isle of Wight.
Crucially there’s a surprising serenity about the place with no roads near or in sight and just the odd fellow walker to disturb the tranquility of this weird phenomenon- a big old...
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“The Rock That Broke Me.”
Agglestone Rock. A name whispered only by those who’ve stared into the abyss and found… a mildly interesting geological feature.
I came here searching for inner peace. What I found was a wind-blasted boulder sitting alone like it committed a crime against the landscape and was exiled for eternity. Honestly, same.
The hike in? A Dantean journey through sandy wastelands, swarming insects, and existential dread. My only companion was the distant sound of a crow laughing at my life choices. By the time I reached the rock, I had aged emotionally by at least seven years.
They say the Devil threw it here. I believe it. Agglestone radiates pure “I’m done with this realm” energy. If rocks could sigh, this one would be chain-smoking and muttering about how things were better in the Cretaceous.
No parking. No coffee. No toilets. Just the crushing weight of your own thoughts and a suspiciously placed chunk of despair. Five stars because it perfectly...
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Impressive large rock standing alone in an area of open heathland. The rock is visible from high on the heath, but more impressive up close, where the vivid orange colours in the sandstone really stand out. The rock appears quite different from different angles, and its rugged shape is unlike anything else in the surrounding area. Climbing the rock is clearly popular, but there are still excellent views on the ground. Bournemouth, Studland and the Isle of Wight are all visible on a clear day. I parked at Studland South Beach and walked up the hill, enjoying great views on the way. There are a few boggy areas to traverse but nothing too challenging if you've got a decent pair of walking boots. Best time to visit is from late summer to mid autumn when the heather is in bloom and the surroundings are carpeted...
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