Dorset, England

Poole: Harbourside & Holes Bay Paths

Creative Commons: David Dixon

The coastal town of Poole is known for its large natural harbour and sandy beaches. The best places to run in Poole are along the two waterfront paths — the Harbourside Walk and the Holes Bay Path — which can be combined for a longer route.

Harbourside Walk/Boating Lake. Start in central Poole and run east along the Quay for 3/4 mile. Just past the roundabout, the path becomes the Harbourside Walk, and runs along the harbour and Parkstone Bay for 1.5 miles, passing Baiter Park, to Whitecliff Harbourside Park. Turn around, and then do the ~1.5 mile loop around Boating Lake/Poole Park. Retrace your steps to the start.

Holes Bay Path. This path runs along Holes Bay to Upton County Park. The path starts near the train station, across Holes Bay Rd. Run for 1.5 miles on the paved, dedicated path along Holes Bay, with nice water views. For more, continue on the lovely Holes Bay Walking Paths in Upton County Park, enjoying open field and bay views.  There are 1-2 miles of paths here.

  • Longer Option: Start at the Quay and take High St. for 3/4 mile and join the Holes Bay Path. You can combine with the Quay/Harbourside Walk for a longer run.

Add-On: Nearby in Sandbanks is the 7-mile waterfront promenade that runs east to Bournemouth, Boscombe, and Eastbourne.

Essentials
  • Harbourside Walk/Boating Lake: ~6 miles out and back; Holes Bay Path: up to 3.3 miles (5.3 km) one-way from the Quay. Combine the two for a long run!
  • Flat
  • Poole Quay is a good starting point for both; Can start near train station for the Holes Bay Path.
  • Train station in central Poole

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Essentials
  • Harbourside Walk/Boating Lake: ~6 miles out and back; Holes Bay Path: up to 3.3 miles (5.3 km) one-way from the Quay. Combine the two for a long run!
  • Flat
  • Poole Quay is a good starting point for both; Can start near train station for the Holes Bay Path.
  • Train station in central Poole