This walk skirts some excellent areas of South facing chalk grassland which supports a rich and diverse flora and fauna.  The locality was selected by the then Nature Conservancy as one of the original butterfly transect walks, and regular recording has been carried out since 1976.The actual transect walk involves some steep climbs and penetration of dense scrub (which has grown up over the past fifteen to twenty years) and is not well defined.  The better butterfly areas can be visited without recourse to this discomfort; a short circular walk is illustrated, but to make best use of it, a number of diversions should be made as indicated on to surrounding areas of sheltered downland. This will give the walker the best of all worlds - an opportunity of seeing a range of chalkland butterflies and flora, without experiencing unnecessary discomfort.  Buzzards and Kestrels are also frequently seen overhead.There are excellent views of surrounding downland and of Swanage and Swanage Bay.  Although the title of the walk is Ballard Down, it not only covers the western extremity of this ridge, but also the south-eastern part of Godlingston Hill and the south of Round Down.The National Trust has over the last four or five years been making efforts to control the invasive Gorse on the banks of Ballard Down by cutting, burning and maintaining the grazing pressure.  They hope by these means to open up more of the grassland and hopefully have even more butterflies.

SECTION 1:  HILL START   (Length 120 m).

Go through the kissing gate (adjacent to the field gate) at the western end of the lay-by.  During late April and May, the Orange Tip butterfly may be seen in this lay-by.The muddiest conditions are likely to be encountered at this point.  Follow the path up the hill to the marker stone.  The path is sheltered by Hazel, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Bramble, and Ash, Elder and Scots Pine trees on either side, and the Speckled Wood is the most likely butterfly to be seen on this stretch.

SECTION 2: LOWER SLOPES   (Optional diversion).

This is the first suggested diversion.  The area to the right (east) is a particularly interesting area of herb rich and south-facing downland with a wide diversity of insects and flora, and is the western end of Ballard Down.  Some of the grassy areas are well-sheltered by dense clumps of bushes, notably Gorse but also Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Briar, Bramble and Elder.  Butterflies tend to congregate around the lower and more sheltered areas of the hill, and are particularly attracted to the Marjoram flowers in late summer.  This is a good area for the Blues, such as the Common, Adonis and Chalkhill Blue and Brown Argus, and also the Skippers (Dingy and Lulworth). The Green Hairstreak also occurs here.

SECTION 3: SHADY PATH  (Length 360 m).

Back at the marker stone, turn left (west) and follow the path running along the lower part of Ballard Down.  Most of this path is flanked by trees and bushes, the first part being very shady, and flanked to the left by a row of Yew trees, and on the right by dense scrub, mainly Blackthorn. But there is one stretch of open downland on the right hand side which may be explored for flora, including Kidney Vetch and Yellow-wort, and butterflies, notably the Common Blue and Brown Argus.  At the end of the path divert slightly to the right into a large open area (Section 4) or turn left to the stile alongside the Swanage - Studland road.  The stile marks the end of Section 3.

SECTION 4: OPEN MEADOW  (Optional diversion).

A south-west facing stretch of open downland.  In the spring there are many Cowslips and in the autumn an attractive display of Devilsbit Scabious here, plus a variety of butterflies.  Look out in particular for the Meadow Brown, Common Blue and Brown Argus.  The bottom far corner is particularly attractive to Marbled White butterflies, probably because it is relatively sheltered and thistles provide a source of nectar.

SECTION 5: VALLEY WALK   (Length 340 m).

Cross the Swanage - Studland road carefully at this point.  Bear left and almost immediately climb over the stile and into the field.  Bear slightly left and join up with the track leading to Nine Barrow Down and Corfe Castle.  The Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Wall Brown may be seen in this section.This section ends a little way up the hill where there is a turning to the left.

SECTION 6: VALLEY EXTENSION   (Optional diversion).

The valley here is rich in thistles, Ragwort and other tall wild flowers, and attractive to butterflies in the late summer and early autumn.Chalkhill Blues may be found in this area, and there is the possibility of sighting the Dark Green Fritillary and the Clouded Yellow.

SECTION 7: HEDGEROW PATH  (Length 400 m).

Take the track to the left and on reaching the field gate ahead turn sharp left and follow the footpath with the hedge on the right hand side and the bottom of Round Down on the left.  Eventually you pass the Ulwell caravan site which is over the hedge on the right hand side.  At this stage, the hedge consists mainly of Hawthorn and young Elm trees, although earlier on, Ash, Blackthorn and Ivy are predominant.Speckled Wood and Wall Brown butterflies are frequently seen on this section, while the sheltered hollows to the left of the path are attractive to the Common and Adonis Blues.

SECTION 8: FINAL TRACK   (Length 70 m).

At the marker stone and just before the stile turn left and follow the fence down to the Swanage - Studland road.  There is Ash, Hawthorn, Elder and Bramble on both sides of the path at this stage, and it tends to be muddy.  Speckled Woods are present on most occasions and a Buddleia bush on the right hand side often attracts Red Admirals, Peacocks, Painted Ladies and Small Tortoiseshells.  Cross the stile on meeting the road and turn right.  This is the end of the walk and the Ulwell lay-by is about 180 metres (200 yards) down the road towards Swanage.