Walks Programme
Thank you to all the walk leaders who have submitted walks for this summer programme. Without you this programme would not be possible, so please keep sending them to us, and if you have walks that you would like to include in the next programme (Winter 2026 – November to February) then you can send them to us any time. We would especially like some walks from new walk leaders, so if you haven’t led a walk before please give it a try.
Please note that we do not include Car Share times from Swanage (Northbrook Road layby opposite Days Park) except for walks where the walk leader will cover it.
Please remember that some walks can be wet and muddy, so come in suitable clothing. If you are coming in someone else’s car then please bring a change of shoes and a bag to put your muddy boots into.
We hope to see you all on the walks this summer.
Sean McLean and Nikki – Walks Programme
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GRID REFs and POSTCODEs: Show the starting points of walks. CAR SHARE: We only include a car share time where the walk leader will be at the lay-by in Northbrook Road opposite Day’s Park (SZ 026 799 / BH19 1QW). We suggest passengers make a contribution towards petrol costs, in proportion to the distance travelled. Please bring a change of shoes or covers for your shoes to avoid getting other people’s cars dirty. Note that there is no guarantee of lifts being available. CAR SHARE TIME: Indicates the time when cars will leave the Northbrook Road lay-by. BUS TIMES: Are departure times. Unless otherwise stated, all bus information is for “More” buses from Swanage Bus & Rail Station. Confirm times when latest bus timetable is printed. Concessionary bus passes are not valid for use on services before 09:30 Mon-Fri [N.B. valid all day on Saturdays]. MEMBERS TRAVELLING BY BUS from the Wareham direction for walks starting from Corfe Castle should contact the walk leader beforehand to let the leader know they could be late arriving for the start. WALKS DETAILS & POOR WEATHER: Walk leaders should be contacted if further information is needed about their walks. In inclement weather, please check your e-mail for late cancellation, even on the morning of the walk. For those members not on e-mail, please call the walk leader if unsure whether the walk will take place. Walk leaders have the right to decide whether to start a walk or not and to abandon or alter walks if they believe it is warranted by the conditions.
July Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the July 2026 walks. This PDF contains walks information as originally published. Any changes to walks or cancellations will be emailed to members or shown in the list below.
Wednesday 1st – MOORS VALLEY AND AVON HEATH FIGURE OF EIGHT
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 or 10.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SU 122 041 / BH24 2LG / phones.expansion.officials
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch
Meet and start at the junction of Sandy Lane and Compton Beeches. Park with consideration in either road. The first part is 6 miles through Moors Valley Country Park. The route will include the lookout, tree top trail, golf course, mini railway and visitor centre. The second part is 4.5 miles through Avon Heath Country Park. The route follows the park perimeter and allows for a short stop at the visitor centre. Fairly flat, no stiles, and toilets at both visitor centres. If you are joining for the second part, please let the leader know and arrive between 13:00 and 13:30 for a prompt start at 13:30.
Thursday 2nd – EVENING BEACH PICNIC – STUDLAND SOUTH BEACH, PRECEDED BY A WALK TO OLD HARRY
Start Time: 16:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 038 824 / BH19 3AU / able.flinches .stuns
Leader: Jane Hamilton (for the picnic) – 07935 074555; Les Hamilton (for the walk) – 07476 845323
Bus: 15:15 (No. 50)
Notes: Walk starts at 16:00; picnic from 18:00
Park in National Trust car park by Bankes Arms in Studland (free for NT members). Walk via Glebeland Estate, Ballard Down to Old Harry and back into Studland. One steep climb up from Studland to Ballard Down.
Saturday 4th – KINGSTON & KIMMERIDGE CIRCULAR
N.B.: The description of this walk has changed slightly since the oroginal walks programme was published
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/What3Words: SY 943 792 / unearthly.cobbled.rang
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453
Meet at Sheep Pen car park, Kingston (this is about 1 mile west of the middle of Kingston). Head to Heaven’s Gate and then follow path along Smedmore Hill to Hell’s Bottom. Through Kimmeridge to coastal path and then east to Rope Lake Head before returning to starting point. Steep ascent up to Swyre Head (about 100 steps) and 120 steps up to the coastal path The weather will be warm, making this quite a tough walk. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water etc.
Wednesday 8th – FRESHWATER BAY TO YARMOUTH
Start Time: 12:08
Distance: 3.73 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 344 857 / PO40 9RD / cookie.bootleg.broke (Freshwater Bay)
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Bus: 08:25 (No. 50)
Notes: ALL DAY WALK
Catch the 08:25 No. 50 bus from Swanage Bus Station to Bournemouth Train Station. At 09:45 catch the train from platform 2. Two trains and a ferry to Yarmouth. Off peak day return £40.50. 11:55 Needles Breezer from Stand A to Freshwater Bay. £3.20 no concessions. Freshwater Way path to Freshwater. Then disused railway track from End of Line Café to Yarmouth. Flat track, no stiles. 16:05 ferry back. ETA Swanage 19:30.
Thursday 9th – CORFE CIRCULAR EVENING WALK WITH OPTION TO VISIT THE FOX
Start Time: 18:40
Distance: 2.75 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR / orbit.daylight.disposing
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453
Bus: 18:05 (No. 40)
Notes: Evening walk
Meet at National Trust car park in Corfe. Head along Purbeck Way through woods then climb up to ridge (short but quite steep) then descend across fields towards doctor’s surgery. Walk back through Corfe Castle village to the start. Leader is heading to The Fox Inn public house after walk and all are invited to join.
Saturday 11th – WORTH AND ST ALDHELM’S HEAD
N.B.: The start time for this walk has changed
Start Time: 08:30
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE / fuzzy.craft.clinic
Leaders: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453
Meet at Worth Matravers car park. Head to coast at Winspit. West along coastal path past St Aldhelm’s Head, returning to Worth via Weston Farm. Steep steps down (+/- 200) and up (+/- 200) after St Aldhelm’s. Leader will head to Square and Compass after walk (if it is open). Everyone is welcome to join. Option to avoid steps by returning directly to Worth from St Aldhelm’s.
Wednesday 15th – POUNDBURY AND MAIDEN MAIDEN CASTLE
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 677 905 / DT1 2FD / wizard.dearest.modem
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch. Please car share
Park in Saint John Way by Poundbury Great Field (free), and meet by the PiP (Pavilion in the Park) Cafe and toilets. Walk the ancient route of the Roman Aqueduct near Poundbury Tumulus and Fordington Bottom. Then cross fields to Maiden Castle and walk around most of the inner ridge of the hill fort. Return via Maiden Castle Road, the Rugby Ground and Poundbury. Note: Steep descent from Maiden Castle inner ridge – stick advised – can be avoided by slightly longer walk around all of inner ridge. Option to reduce walk by 1.2 miles by not doing Maiden Castle circuit, but this is the most spectacular part of the walk. One stile. Total ascent 535ft. Option of drink/snack at PiP cafe after the walk.
Thursday 16th – ULWELL CIRCULAR
Start Time: 18:00
Distance: 3.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 021 809 / BH19 3DG / resembles.analogy.press
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 17:45 (No. 50)
Notes: Evening walk
Meet at first layby car park on right hand side of Ulwell Road, just past the turning for Village Inn. (Leader will await arrival of the No. 50 bus from Swanage.) A short circular walk via Godlingston Manor, Windmill Knap, and Knitson Farm. Option to join the leader for a drink/meal afterwards at the Village Inn, Ulwell.
Saturday 18st – LYTCHETT MATRAVERS, MORDEN
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 935 961 / BH16 6BS / simulates.rams.unspoiled
Leader: Karen Pratley – 07773 523060
Meet and park at St. Mary’s Church in Lytchett Matravers, which is about l mile through the village and down the hill. Leader will collect £1 from each car driver to contribute to running costs of the church. This will be another lovely walk around the Lytchett area, through woodland and open country to Morden church, with many fine views. Some stiles and couple of short climbs.
Wednesday 22nd – GREENLAND’S FARM TO NORDEN – LINEAR WALK
Start Time: 10:35
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 025 843 / BH19 3AZ / oasis.turned.reactions
Leader: John Hutchison – 07963 121184
Bus: 10:15 (No. 50)
Notes: This is a linear walk, using bus at each end
If you are not resident in Swanage, then get to Swanage in time to park before catching the bus. Take No. 50 bus from Swanage station. Get off and meet at Goathorn Farm bus stop (postcode is for Greenland’s Farm track). Follow Poole Harbour Trail westward via Greenland’s Farm, Newton, Wytch Farm, and Sharford Bridge, to finish at Norden. Largely flat, easy walking on paths and tracks across the heath. A couple of stiles. Café and toilets at Norden, but not before! Catch No. 40 bus from Norden back to Swanage.
Saturday 25th – WINTERBOURNE KINGSTON CIRCULAR WALK
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 861 976 / DT11 9AZ / tolerable.hopes.scales
Leader: Karen Pratley – 07773 523060
Notes: Please car share. Park as close as possible to each other at the back of the hall. No need to leave rear exit clear
Meet and park at the village hall car park in North Street, Winterbourne Kingston (at junction of West Street). We have been asked to park as close as possible to each other at the back of village hall. No need to leave rear exit clear. Other people using hall on same day. We will collect £1 from each car driver to contribute to running costs of hall. Circular walk via Roman Road, Great Coll Wood and farmland. The walk has no steep climbs, just gradual inclines. Views of open farm land all the time. Likely to be muddy in places.
Wednesday 29th – EAST CREECH AND NORDEN FARM
Start Time: 10:35
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR / almost.achieving.pampering
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)
Meet at Corfe National Trust car park for a walk along the chalk ridge. (The leader will await arrival of the No. 40 bus from Swanage.) One challenging climb. Out via chalk ridge, Cocknowle and Stonehill Down Nature Reserve. Return via East Creech and clay workings around Norden Farm. Stop at East Creech Farm for refreshments.
August Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the August 2026 walks. This PDF contains walks information as originally published. Any changes to walks or cancellations will be emailed to members or shown in the list below.
Saturday 1st – ABBOTSBURY/PORTESHAM CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 10 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 563 851 / DT3 4LA / cluttered.bottom.neater
Leader: Mike Cleaver – 07778 505168; Penny Cleaver – 07870 437967
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch
Parking in Abbotsbury Gardens car park (we have permission), which is on the right opposite the garden entrance (travelling from the Portesham direction). A circular walk with one major ascent up to Portesham Hill, before walking along the South Dorset Ridgeway and descending back down to Abbotsbury. All welcome to join the leaders for well-earned tea and cake in Abbotsbury Gardens afterwards. Note: Lift available from Langton or pick up in Corfe or Wareham.
Monday 3rd – KNOLL BEACH STUDLAND TO SOUTH HAVEN POINT
Start Time: 17:10
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 033 835 / BH19 3AH / helped.rumble.adding
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Bus: 16:45 (No. 50)
Notes: EVENING WALK; Bring a picnic
Park and start from Knoll Beach National Trust car park. Level walk to South Haven Point (by the Sandbanks Ferry) via sand dunes, heath and woodland. Return along the beach. No stiles. Option to bring a picnic to eat at Knoll Beach after the walk, using the picnic tables by the shop and toilets or on the beach if preferred. Suggest you leave picnics in cars rather than carry them on the walk.
Wednesday 5th – TOLPUDDLE, COWPOUND WOOD AND SOUTHOVER HEATH
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 791 944 / DT2 7EX / appraised.holidays.gratuity
Leader: Clive and Rosemary Hargrave – 07791 776338
Park in the roads near the Martyrs Tree in Tolpuddle and meet under the Martyrs Tree on the green. Circular, mainly level walk via farmland and woods. Some open views. Could be muddy if recent rain.
Saturday 8th – WEST LULWORTH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 823 807 / BH20 5SG / splints.laws.life
Leader: Simon Nightingale – 07811 169702
Meet and park on Church Road opposite Holy Trinity Church, West Lulworth. An ascent to the ridge, then west on bridle path to Daggers Gate, before descending down Scatchy Bottom to Durdle Door and back to start.
Wednesday 12th – NEWTON AND GODLINGSTON HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 5.9 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 025 843 / BH19 3BL / oasis.turned.reactions
Leader: Les and Jane Hamilton – 07476 845323 / 07935 074555
Bus: 09:05 (No. 50)
Meet at Goathorn Farm bus stop (bus should arrive at 09:22) for a pleasant walk through Studland and Godlingston National Nature Reserve including Newton and Kingwood Heaths. 105m ascent and descent on good gravel tracks. Good reaching views. No stiles. Parking in layby at start. Post Code is for Goathorn Farm.
Saturday 15th – LULWORTH COVE TO CORFE LINEAR (BRING FOOD AND DRINK)
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 12 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR / orbit.daylight.disposing
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453
Bus: (No. 30)
Notes: See walk description below for bus details
Meet at Corfe Castle National Trust visitor centre at 09:30, then cross the road to get the No. 30 bus to Lulworth at 09:47 arriving Lulworth Cove at 10:40. Walk back to Corfe via Fossil Forest, Mupe Bay, Arish Mell, Flower’s Barrow, Povington Hill and Ridgeway Hill. This is a long, tough walk with some steep ascents and descents. Note: The No. 30 bus leaves Swanage at 09:30 so it is possible to take the bus from there. However, it would mean taking the No. 30 or No. 40 bus back to Swanage after the walk.
Wednesday 19th – HOLTON HEATH AND GORE HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:45
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 944 913 / BH16 6JW / goad.jolly.ports
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Notes: Bus users should alight at Clay Pipe Inn bus stop (what3words victory.register.depending) and wait outside the Clay Pipe Inn for 10:00 start
Meet and park in Blackhill Road as close as possible to the Wareham Road roundabout. The walk leader will lead car users to meet bus users for 10:00 outside the Clay Pipe Inn. The walk is mainly flat with no stiles and gives nice views of Wareham Forest and Poole Harbour. The walk leader invites everyone to join him after the walk for refreshments and games at his mobile home (details nearer the walk date).
Thursday 20th – DURLSTON WOODLAND AND CLIFF TOP TRAILS
Start Time: 18:00
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 031 788 / BH19 1DD / outdone.cakes.reporting
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 09:25 (No. 50)
Notes: EVENING WALK
Meet outside Mowlem Theatre at 18:00 for a circular walk to Durlston Castle, going out via the coast path to the Anvil Lighthouse and returning via the flower meadows. Option to join the leader for a drink/meal afterwards at the Red Lion or other establishment.
Saturday 22nd – PAMPHILL AND THE WIMBORNE STOUR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: ST 992 004 / PBH21 4EE / cucumber.ants.bulletins
Leader: Bryan Stubbs – 01202 280427 / 07710 016849
Notes: Please bring a picnic lunch
Park in the car park behind Pamphill CE First School. We cross the Stour to the water meadows and across the A31, following the course of the river to Canford Magna and returning through the historic centre of Wimborne. A mostly flat walk with a couple of stiles..
Wednesday 26th – LULWORTH COVE TO WEST LULWORTH VIA MUPE BAY (SWIM) AND LULWORTH CASTLE (LINEAR WALK VIA BUS)
Start Time: 10:40
Distance: 7.6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 823 799 / BH20 5RS / viewers.rocked.eyeliner
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Bus: 09:30 (No. 30) from Swanage; 10:10 from Wareham Post Office south bound. See timetable for other stops on the route
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch
Meet at bus stop in Lulworth Cove. Walk the pebbles round Cove (over rock fall – tricky) and then past fossil forest to Mupe Bay for coffee stop and optional swim (or to explore rocks). Up a very steep climb to Bindon Hill and on to Arish Mell. Then through Lulworth Castle park to Belhuish Farm and on to the Castle Inn in West Lulworth. If coming by car, the leader suggests parking in West Lulworth near Farm Lane, and catching the bus from Castle Inn (10.34), parking near Wool Primary School and catching the bus there (10.26), or parking at the Lulworth Cove (charges).
Saturday 29th – NO WALK TODAY
September Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the September 2026 walks. This PDF contains walks information as originally published. Any changes to walks or cancellations will be emailed to members or shown in the list below.
Wednesday 2nd – WORTH MATRAVERS CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE / lemmings.openings.landlords
Leader: Barbara Pietrusiewicz – 07740 777800
Car Share: Space for 2; contact walk leader
Meet and start from Worth Matravers car park (£3 charge). Scenic walk taking in Hill Bottom, St Aldhelm’s Chapel and Winspit. Expect 2 steady climbs and 2 steady descents, but also lots of flat and no stiles! Some steps (descending) as we leave the coast path to join the Winspit path. Generally, good paths, but there is a section that is rocky/uneven so poles would be useful.
Friday 4th – YARMOUTH TO ALUM BAY – WAVERLEY PADDLE STEAMER
Start Time: 10:20
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 354 900 / PO41 0PE / group.follow.desktop (Yarmouth Pier)
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch
Check first thing on the Friday morning in case the sailing is cancelled: www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk. Meet on Swanage Pier (SZ 036 788) at 10:20 to catch 10:50 sailing on Waverley paddle steamer to Yarmouth, arriving at 12:30. Fare £55 adults. £53 seniors. Eat lunch on board as there will not be any long breaks on the walk. At 12:50 take No. 7 bus from Yarmouth Bus Station (stand B) to Alum Bay, arriving at 13:15, and walk back along cliff top paths and promenades. No stiles, some steps and road walking. Steep climb at Headon Hill. Refreshments are available on the boat to buy on the return journey. Return sailing leaves Yarmouth Pier at 17:00 to arrive at Swanage at 18:35. If the Waverley is cancelled there is another sailing on Wednesday September 16th, leaving at 10:00.
Saturday 5th – HIGHER BOCKHAMPTON CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 725 921 / DT2 8QH / recovery.notch.composer
Leader: Simon Nightingale – 07811 169702
Meet and park in Thorncombe Wood pay & display car park (£5 even for National Trust members). The route follows a quiet road and footpath descending to Stinsford Church (graves of Hardy family) then on to Lower Bockhampton. Return through farmland into Puddletown Forest, ascending to Hardy’s Cottage and the visitor centre cafe for refreshments. Toilets available. (If you would like to visit Hardy’s Cottage after the walk you should pre-book on an individual basis – opening hours 10:15 to 15:00.
Wednesday 9th – WEYMOUTH TO SANDSFOOT CASTLE – WAVERLEY PADDLE STEAMER
Start Time: 11:00
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 681 787 / DT4 8BG (Weymouth Harbour) / acted.verse.lined
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch
Check first thing on the Wednesday morning in case the sailing is cancelled www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk. Meet on Swanage Pier (SZ 036 788) at 11:00 to catch the 11:20 sailing on Waverley paddle steamer to Weymouth, arriving at 13:10. £55 adults. £51 seniors. The walk is on busy urban roads and a disused railway track with a tarmac surface. Approximately 30 min break at Sandsfoot Castle where there is a café. Arrive back at Weymouth Harbour at 16:15 for return sailing at 16:30, to arrive at Swanage at 18:15. Note: It is possible to take the No. 30 bus from Swanage to Weymouth to meet Waverley passengers at the Harbour Office (what3words gold.unable.longer) for the walk. Let the leader know if you choose this option.
Saturday 12th – WOOL CIRCULAR VIA COOMBE KEYNES
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 6.4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 841 868 / BH20 6EQ / birthdays.increment.inhabited
Leader: Lesley Watts – 07359 479879
Bus: 09:30 (No. 30) from Swanage; 10:10 from Wareham Post Office south bound. See timetable for other stops on the route
Meet and park in the car park alongside the railway line at The Ship Inn, Wool, BH20 6EQ. A circular walk mainly through fields to Coombe Keynes, then crossing the B3071 to Coombe Wood and walking via New Buildings back to Wool. Tracks, paths, and fields. Some lane and road walking. No stiles. If you are coming by bus, alight at Wool Primary School south bound (10:26) and the group will pick up there on the way out of Wool. Return buses at 13:26, 15:26 and 16:26. Please let leader know if you are coming by bus. Option to lunch at the The Ship Inn after the walk.
Wednesday 16th – SHAPWICK AND WHITE MILL, RIVER STOUR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.23 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: ST 936 016 / DT11 9LA / fond.eagles.tougher
Leaders: Peter and Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095
Car Share: Use Swanage Car Share App
Meet in Shapwick Church car park (free). Follow along Stour Valley Way to White Mill. Return via edge of Kingston Lacy Estate, Sweetbriar Drove and Park Lane. A relatively flat walk with good views. Parts can be muddy after rain. Several low squeeze stiles. Stour Valley Way path adjacent to the River Stour is a no dogs permissive path. Welcome to join walk leaders for lunch in The Anchor Inn, Shapwick after the walk. Food served until 14:15.
Saturday 19th – DETAILS TO FOLLOW
Wednesday 23rd – STRATTON FIGURE OF EIGHT
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.5 or 11 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 651 937 / DT2 9SR / socialite.tumblers.rods
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch
Meet outside the Church of St Mary, Stratton. Park on adjacent roads. The morning walk circles Stratton Down passing an old settlement following a ridge with very good views. Total ascent 706 ft. Afternoon walkers should aim to arrive between 12:30 and 13:00, which is the planned lunch break. The afternoon walk goes south of Stratton through Bradford Peverell over Penn Hill and down to Muckleford, arriving back at the start point. Total ascent 539 ft with excellent views and only 4 stiles. Option to visit The Saxon Arms (near the start point) for refreshments after the walk.
Saturday 26th – CIRCUIT OF CHRISTCHURCH HARBOUR
Start Time: 10:20
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 150 920 / BH6 4JU / gravy.damage.insist
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Car Share: 09:05 (leader will be there)
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch
Car share from Northbrook Road (Swanage) layby to leave at 09:05 to catch 09:30 Sandbanks Ferry. Park at junction of Wick Lane and Broadlands Avenue in Tuckton / Wick. Later start if heavy traffic from Swanage. Toilets near start of walk. Easy level walk via Hengistbury Head (small up/down), Mudeford Quay, Stanpit Marsh and Christchurch. Pub, café and toilets at picnic stop. No stiles. Two ferries during walk at total £5 (cash only) per person (Mudeford ferry £3.50, Wick ferry £1.50).
Wednesday 30th – WORTH TO SEACOMBE (SWIM?), BACK VIA EAST MAN
Start Time: 09:45
Distance: 4 miles (ish)
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE / dorms.sunroof.sculpting
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Notes: Option to walk from Acton Lane west-bound bus stop to the turning off Priests Way by Eastington (SY985 779), having arrived on the 09:00 bus (No. 40) from Swanage (bus time to be confirmed). Please contact the leader if you choose this option (extra 2 miles).
Meet at the Worth Matravers car park (charge). Walk along Priests Way past Eastington Farm, then down to Seacombe for coffee. Back up and over East Man to Worth. Good views; lovely coastal spot for coffee; maybe swim off rocks. Two stiles and one steady descent and one steep climb. Rocky coast at Seacombe, easiest to handle route down with a stick. Option for a drink and a pasty at the Square & Compass after the walk.
October Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the October 2026 walks. This PDF contains walks information as originally published. Any changes to walks or cancellations will be emailed to members or shown in the list below.
Saturday 3rd – STUDLAND TO STUDLAND HEATH AND LITTLE SEA – SHORT WALK
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 3.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 037 825 / BH19 3AU / juggles.goodness.reheat
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 09:25 (No. 50). Bus time to be confirmed
Park in National Trust car park by Bankes Arms in Studland (free for NT members). Walk along coast path to Knoll Beach and then through Studland Nature Reserve to the Little Sea. Circle back through Studland Heath and return to Studland along the beach.
Wednesday 7th – FRITHAM AND ASHLEY CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SU 229 140 / SO43 7HY / hometown.arch.shredding
Leader: Jane Hamilton – 07935 074555
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; Bring a picnic lunch or eat in the Royal Oak pub
Park in the Forestry Commission car park just beyond the Royal Oak pub. A relatively remote walk on all-weather forest tracks with a mix of heath and woodland scenery and some good views across the New Forest landscape. The route also skirts the Ashley Walk bombing range – testing ground for the “Dam Buster” bouncing bombs used in WW2. The Royal Oak pub is famous for its ploughman’s lunches.
Saturday 10th – TARRANT GUNVILLE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: ST 914 128 / DT11 8JW / acclaimed.fizzy.deposits
Leader: Mike Cleaver – 07778 505168; Penny Cleaver – 07870 437967
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; Bring a packed lunch or eat at farm shop after walk
Meet in the car park of Home Farm Café & Shop, about 1k west of Tarrant Gunville village. A lovely circular walk around the Tarrant Valley on Cranborne Chase. Taking in Chettle House and the ups and downs of the north Dorset countryside. Walking part of the Jubilee Trail and passing various long barrows along the way. All welcome to join the leaders for lunch or tea and cake at Home Farm Shop afterwards. Note: Lift available from Langton or pick up in Corfe or Wareham.
Wednesday 14th – SWANAGE – ROUND & ABOUT
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 032 788 / BH19 1DD / merge.panthers.orchids
Leader: Barbara Pietrusiewicz – 07740 777800
Bus: From Poole (No. 40); from Bournemouth (No. 50). Timings to be confirmed
Meet on Swanage seafront next to the Mowlem. Lovely views as we walk to Peveril Point and across the Downs and Durlston Nature Reserve. Generally good, wide tracks. Steady uphill from Peveril Point until we reach Durlston. Then reasonably flat until we descend via the Priest’s Way back to Swanage. One stile.
Saturday 17th – STOBOROUGH HEATH
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 923 871 / BH20 4LP / shallower.storm.cringe
Leader: Jane Bell – 07702 791749
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40). Bus time to be confirmed
Start on the grass opposite Wareham Quay and walk along the riverside path to Ridge. Walk along tramway, and across parts of Stoborough Heath, before going behind Stoborough Meadow and then through Stoborough back towards Wareham. There will be one fairly steep short upward section on the first part of the walk. No stiles – could be muddy in places. Option for lunch at the King’s Arms, Stoborough.
Wednesday 21st – BROADMAYNE FIGURE OF EIGHT
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 or 11 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 730 863 / DT2 8EN / liberated.silly.view
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: ALL DAY WALK; bring a picnic lunch
Meet at Broadmayne Village Hall Sports Field, close to the junction of Osmington Drove and High Trees. Park in Osmington Drove. The first 5 miles follow the Drove to White Horse Hill, along the ridge to Poxwell and back to the start. Good views of Portland and Weymouth. The afternoon 6 miles follow the Jubilee Trail north towards Warmwell Heath, round Warmwell, and back to the start. A woodland and open heathland trail. Afternoon walkers should aim to arrive between 12:30 and 13:00, which is the planned lunch break. Please let the leader know if you intend to arrive for the afternoon walk. Toilets available in the village hall.
Saturday 24th – CREECHBARROW HILL, STEEPLE AND TYNEHAM
Start Time: 09:40
Distance: 7.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/What3Words: SY 887 812 / walking.abolish.regrowth
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Car Share: 09:00 (Call leader for details)
Notes: Bring a picnic lunch
Meet at Whiteway/Povington Hill car park. Walk over Povington Hill and Grange Arch to Creechbarrow Hill with wide inland views towards Wareham and Poole. Down the hill to Steeple and its church and into the ranges down a more recent path to Tyneham. From there, climb back up to the ridge. One steep up and down. The walk will not explore much of Tyneham, but the leader can provide directions from Tyneham back to the car park for those who wish to explore the village. Views all along the ridge; history at Tyneham and Steeple.
Wednesday 28th – SWANAGE TO CORFE CASTLE “FLYING SCOTSMAN” WALK
Start Time: 09:50
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SZ 029 789 / BH19 1HB / ranted.playful.archduke
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: (No. 40) from Wareham direction
Meet at Swanage Railway Station for a linear walk along the Purbeck valley, criss-crossing the railway. Walk via Herston camp-site, Windmill Knapp, New Barn, Wilkswood Farm, Haycrafts Farm, Woodyhyde Campsite and Sandyhills Copse. The Flying Scotsman steam locomotive will be operating trains on the Swanage Railway on this day and there should be opportunities to observe or photograph it in action. Return to Swanage by bus or train or join the leader for refreshments in Corfe Castle. Note: Walkers coming from the Wareham direction may wish to park in Corfe Castle National Trust car park (free for NT members) and catch the 09:20 No. 40 bus to Swanage for the start of the walk (The leader will await the arrival of the bus). The aim is to arrive at Corfe Castle in time to catch the 13:30 bus back to Swanage for those who want to.
Saturday 31st – BERE REGIS AND TURNERS PUDDLE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode/What3Words: SY 846 948 / BH20 7HA] / widest.structure.unroll
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453
Meet at (free) car park in Bere Regis next to Manor Farm Road. Alternative parking in adjacent roads. Circular walk taking in Turners Puddle, Piddle Wood, Jubilee Trail and Shitterton. Fairly easy walking with woodland and rolling countryside. Expect some mud.