OLD WIVES’ TALES Old Harry Rocks are almost like an old friend to local Dorset folk who live nearby. Yet there are many tales of how the name was derived to make this natural feature have a far less inviting appeal. This iconic landmark is steeped in myth, magic, legend and even the Devil himself making a shady contribution to its darker side in the history books. One tale from the past claims that the stack of Old Harry is named because of the Devil, for whom ‘Old Harry’ is his age old nickname and that he once had a sleep on these fabled rocks. Another myth talks of a pirate ‘Harry Paye’ who made the daunting cliffs his base, a place for terror, attacking passing ships and a hiding place for his loot. Maybe this reckless vigilante was even regarded as the devil by locals as he inevitably slept on the rocks after squirreling away his contraband. Either way there are plenty of ways to let your imagination wander and these rocks, caves, stacks and arches make a perfect backdrop for a real windsurfing adventure.