Agglestone Rock is a true marvel of nature, weighing approximately 400 tonnes and perched on a hill one mile away from Studland village.
Despite its brilliance, this incredible Rock is relatively unknown, making it a hidden gem for those who visit.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating folklore story and geology behind Agglestone Rock and provide you with a guide to experiencing its wonder.
When I visited it, it left me in awe, and I’m sure it will for you as well.
Let’s get into it.
How to Get to Agglestone Rock
Getting to Agglestone Rock is easy.
To get there, you drive to Wadmore Lane in Studland.
Here’s the postcode: BH19 3AY
Here is the location on Google map:
Wadmore Lane is just off Ferry road, the road you drive on when you come off the ferry.
Once you drive down Wadmore Lane, drive down until you see a car park on the right.
Park there if you’re driving.
Then you leave the car park, and on your right, you’ll head down a path towards Godlingston Heath.
It’s all signposted, and once you’re on the heath, you’ll be able to see Agglestone Rock perched on the hill in the distance.
Then just follow the paths until you get to the big mysterious rock.
The view is amazing, and the giant boulder is just incredible to look at.
Enjoy!
How Did Agglestone Rock Get There?
When I saw it, the first thing I thought was, how did it get there?
It’s huge, and it’s on top of a hill.
I know many people are just as curious about how this massive sandstone block ended up in this unusual location.
To answer this question, I did a bit of research, and here’s what I found out.
I’ll start by sharing the folklore story.
Agglestone Rock Folklore
According to local legend, the devil once tried to throw the rock from The Needles on the Isle of Wight with the intention of hitting either Corfe Castle, Bindon Abbey, or Salisbury Cathedral.
Fortunately, the rock missed its intended target and instead landed in its current location.
The name “Aggle” is derived from the old Dorset dialect, meaning “to wobble,” which might describe the rock’s unsteady journey through the air or its unsteady position on the hill.
While the true meaning behind the name is uncertain, the legend surrounding Agglestone Rock definitely fascinates visitors to this day.
Agglestone Rock Geology
Geologists have a different explanation for how Agglestone Rock got there.
They believe that it was formed millions of years ago during the Jurassic period when shallow seas covered the area.
Over time, erosion wore away the surrounding sediment, leaving the striking hill and the rock perched on top.
Standing at approximately 18 feet tall and 23 feet wide, the rock’s original anvil shape with a flat top was altered when it fell onto one end and side in 1970, leaving the top at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.
Despite uncertainty about its true origin, Agglestone Rock remains an incredible sight to behold.
If you’re up for a hike, you can climb up to the hill and marvel at this incredible feat of nature.
Can You Climb Agglestone Rock?
For the people who want to know if you can climb Agglestone Rock, yes, it’s possible, and many people do it, as you’ll see lots of pictures of people standing on the top.
I’ve seen rock climbers practicing on the more horizontal side, which would be really difficult to climb for most people.
My recommendation is if you are going to do it, be really careful, as it’s still quite high, and you could definitely hurt yourself.
One of the sides is a bit easier to climb than the other, so choose the easier side if you’re going to do it.
Also, I would say it’s unsafe for children to climb as it’s a BIG boulder, and falling from it would be dangerous.
I only climbed on the big rock next to the boulder, and I thought that was quite high!
If you do climb to the top, be sure to take a picture, as the view will be spectacular.
Images Of Agglestone Rock
If you liked learning about this little gem, you’d like this article we did which covers the best things to do in Swanage. Enjoy!
FAQ
When Did Agglestone Rock Fall Over?
Agglestone Rock fell over in 1970, leaving the rock at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Prior to its collapse, the rock had a flat top and smaller blocks, presumably of Agglestone Grit, standing around the platform.
What is Agglestone Rock Made of?
Agglestone Rock is made up of iron-cemented sandstone known as Agglestone Grit, which is a coarse, cross-bedded, and pebbly grit of Eocene age. The sandstone is also called hearthstone, and it’s not only found in Agglestone but also in Puckstone nearby. Pieces of this hard, iron-rich sandstone can be seen littering the heath and have been used to construct walls, barns, and houses.
