Heading west from Bournemouth to Sandbanks makes for one of the finest half-day outings on this stretch of coast. Either the flat, beach-level promenade or the higher clifftop path will take you there, both tracking the same long curve of sand past Branksome and Canford Cliffs towards the harbour mouth.
The essentials
- The route heads west along the bay from central Bournemouth to Sandbanks.
- You can take the flat promenade, the higher clifftop path, or combine both.
- Budget roughly two to three hours each way, more if you stop often.
- A chain ferry generally crosses the harbour mouth at Sandbanks.
- Proper footwear suits the cliff paths, and check the ferry schedule beforehand.
Choosing your route
What makes this route enjoyable is the choice it gives you. The promenade keeps you at beach level throughout, a firm, flat path with the sea alongside and cliffs rising on your right. Choosing the clifftop instead trades easy walking for wider views, looking out over Poole Bay with the Purbeck hills in front and the Isle of Wight behind. Steps and zig-zag paths connect the two routes at various points, letting you climb for the scenery or drop back down whenever you want the sand.
Passing the chines
The opening stretch takes you past the chines, wooded valleys running down to the sea. Travelling west from the central beaches, Durley Chine is the first, offering a straightforward stop with cafes and a wide expanse of sand. A little further on, Alum Chine winds down through its subtropical garden, a sheltered place to escape the wind and let children burn off energy before continuing.
On to Branksome, Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks
Beyond the chines, the coastline turns quieter and greener as you enter Branksome and Canford Cliffs. The beaches here are calmer and cleaner than the central stretch, and the pine-topped clifftop gardens offer sheltered, pleasant walking away from the crowds. The promenade thins out around here and the walk slows down, which is part of what makes it worthwhile. Continue on and the land tapers towards Sandbanks, the sandy spit closing off Poole Harbour, wide beach on one side and calm, boat-dotted water on the other. Cafes and kiosks line the front the entire way, so coffee and ice cream are never far off, and there are plenty of benches for simply watching the boats.
Crossing by ferry to Poole
A small chain ferry runs from the tip of Sandbanks across the harbour mouth to Studland and the Purbeck side, a brief but memorable crossing that many walkers take purely for the experience. Continuing on into Poole town is easiest by bus or train inland, since the town lies around the far side of the harbour rather than along the open coastline. Because sailings can be paused for weather or maintenance, check the current situation before planning your day around a crossing.
Getting ready and staying safe
Nothing about this walk is especially demanding, but a handful of points are worth keeping in mind. In places the clifftop edge is unfenced and the ground can give way, so stay well clear, particularly with children and dogs nearby. The paths dropping through the chines are steep and turn slippery after rain, making decent footwear genuinely useful. Carry water and something windproof, since the exposed clifftop can feel considerably colder than the sheltered promenade underneath.
Planning where to go
Work out which beaches you want to connect before setting off, and let the sand dictate your route. Our beaches hub covers each stretch in order, from the busy central sands to the quieter western coves, helping you map out the ideal westward line and know exactly where to break your journey.