Just wondrin': since I don't have a car my options for riding are limited. Does it sound feasible to get the train to Poole, catch the ferry over to the IOP and then get a ride in? Or is the decent riding too far away? Is it worth it? I normally ride around Hampshire, so i'm not going to be disappointed if there are no mountains 😉
A day out on the Purbecks is always feasible. 🙂
I'd advise to go with a local who can show you all the best bits.
It's my favourite place to ride.
Yup, perfectly feasible.
Though Branksome and Parkstone stations are a little closer to the Sandbanks Ferry than Poole.
And closer to Hampshire too!
Yeah, it's looking like a goer for my next mid-week day off. About an hour ride on the train from me. Just trying to work out the most pleasant route from a station to the ferry...
Parkstone is about 3 miles from the Sandbanks ferry I reckon.
poppa - Member
Yeah, it's looking like a goer for my next mid-week day off. About an hour ride on the train from me. Just trying to work out the most pleasant route from a station to the ferry...
From Branksome Station:
Bournemouth direction - Past the 24 hour Tesco - Right hand turn at the Liverpool Victoria roundabout - past Westbourne - past Bransome Beach - short uphill section then through Canford Cliffs - downhill turning left - past car parks with Poole Harbour on your right - continue past all of the megabucks houses, expensive German/Italian sports cars and silicon enhanced platinum blonde second wives til' you arrive at the ferry.
No duty free on board sadly, but there's a shop just before you board if you fancy a Solero.
Brilliant. Thanks!
alternatively you can get a train so swanage some times but I'm not sure where it stops (heritage line).
When you say 'ferry', you do realise that its not an island - and just one end has the chain-ferry?
Yes - but I was guessing that catching the ferry might be quicker. Or would it be best to go to Wareham station and ride from there?
Poppa, get the ferry!
Only takes 5 minutes and you can roll right past the waiting cars.
Plus once you're over you'll have Rempstone on your right and Studland a little further up the road on your left.