Walks Programme

Thank you to all our walk leaders who are leading walks for this Summer/Autumn Programme. Without you this programme would not be possible, so please keep sending them to me. If you have walks that you would like to include in the next programme (Winter 2025/2026 – November through to February), then you can send them to me any time. I would especially like some walks from new walk leaders, so if you haven’t led a walk before please give it a try.

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.

I hope to see you all on the walks this Summer and Autumn.

Brian Arnold – Walks Programme

 

 

Swanage Walking Group Wareham Forest
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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.

September Walks

View, print or download a PDF copy of the September 2025 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 3rd – EAST CREECH AND NORDEN FARM

Start Time: 10:35
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Steve Williams –  07766 375151
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)

Meet at Corfe National Trust Visitor Centre car park (or travel by No.40 bus from Swanage to Corfe Castle) for a walk along the chalk ridge. 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.

Saturday 6th – PAMPHILL AND THE WIMBORNE STOUR

N.B.: The walk scheduled for September 6th has changed since the original walks programme was published
Start Time
: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 992 004 / BH21 4EE
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.

Tuesday 9th – WEYMOUTH TO SANDSFOOT CASTLE – WAVERLEY PADDLE STEAMER

Start Time: 10:25
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 681 787 / DT4 8BG (Weymouth Harbour)
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch

Check first thing on Tuesday morning in case the sailing is cancelled at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk  Meet on Swanage Pier (Grid ref. SZ 036 788) at 10:25 to catch the 10:45 sailing on Waverley paddle steamer to Weymouth, arriving at 12:45. Adults £51. Seniors (aged 60 and over) can bring a friend at half fare. Both passengers must be Seniors. Walk is on busy urban roads and on a disused railway track with a tarmac surface. Approximately 30 minutes break at Sandsfoot Castle where there is a café. Return sailing leaves Weymouth Harbour at 15:15 to arrive at Swanage at 17:05. N.B.: It is also possible to take the No 30 bus from Swanage to Weymouth to meet the group at the Harbour Office for the walk. Please let the walk leader know if you decide to do this.

Wednesday 10th – NINE BARROW DOWN, KINGSWOOD/GODLINGSTON HEATHS CIRCUIT

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 021 809 / BH19 3DG
Leader: Les Hamilton – 07476 845323
Bus: 09:45 (No. 50)

Meet at first Ulwell lay-by opposite The Village Inn. Circular walk up Nine Barrow Down to descend Brenscombe Hill, crossing B3351 to Rempstone Farm (400m of road walking; light occasional traffic). Then track through Kingswood and Godlingston Heaths, passing Purbeck Golf Course, descend and cross Ulwell Road then steepish climb up Ballard Down to the Obelisk and down steep steps to return to the lay-by start point. (Three stiles; nice open views.)

Saturday 13th – GODSHILL INCLOSURE FIGURE OF EIGHT

Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 5 or 10.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 177 161 / SP6 2LP
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch

N.B.: This walk was originally scheduled for Saturday 20th September.
Meet and park at Godshill Inclosure car park. Walkers can elect to complete the first 5 miles or continue for the full 10.5 miles. A woodland and open heath route, with a couple of steady hills. Six stiles, and the total ascent is 1006 feet. Following the recent heavy rain, good boots are recommended and poles if you need them. N.B.: The walk leader is unable to offer lifts on this occasion.

Wednesday 17th – WORTH MATRAVERS AND SEACOMBE CIRCULAR

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453

Meet at Worth Matravers car park. Head towards coast at Seacombe, then follow coastal path west past Winspit and St Aldhelm’s where we descend 200 steps. At bottom of steps follow the valley up to Haysom’s quarry, avoiding the 200 steps up.

Saturday 20th – ACTON TO DANCING LEDGE CIRCULAR

Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 988 786 / BH19 3JN
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)

N.B.: This walk was originally scheduled for Saturday 13th September.
Meet at Acton Lane car park at the top end of Langton Matravers. Follow Quarry to Castle Trail via Keates Quarry to Dancing Ledge where we will break. Return via Priests Way. A couple of stiles and one steep descent and ascent on the walk.

Wednesday 24th – CIRCULAR WALK FROM DEWLISH

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 775 982 / DT2 7LU
Leader: Lesley Watts – 01672 569209 / 07359 479879
Notes: The description and distance for this walk have changed since the walks programme was originally published.

Park and start walk in Church Street, Dewlish, opposite All Saints Church. A walk via Cheselbourne with ascents and descents, although none too challenging, and a fair number of stiles. Mostly on field paths, droves and lanes with potential for some muddy patches. Good waterproof boots recommended.  Option to lunch after the walk at The Oak pub at Dewlish. Please let the walk leader know by Friday September 19th if you want lunch as the pub requires pre-orders for larger groups. View menu here. N.B.: Dewlish is a village of narrow lanes. Car share where possible. Leader has space for two and can pick up en route in Swanage/Corfe Castle/Wareham/Bere Regis, returning after lunch.

Saturday 27th – HAMBLEDON HILL AND SHROTON

N.B.: The start location and (optional) lunch venue for this walk has changed since the original walks programme was published
Start Time
: 10:30
Distance: 6 miles (ish)
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 859 126 / DT11 8QD
Leader: Simon Nightingale – 07811 169702
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a picnic lunch, and/or eat after the walk at The Cricketers

Meet at The Cricketers at Shroton (also referred to on maps as Iwerne Courtney, the adjoining village). Park in the pub car park or around adjoining village green. A scenic circular walk to and over Hambledon Hill, site of an ancient Neolithic Hill Camp, considered by many as one of the finest examples in Southern England. A flat walk over grassland and farm tracks for approx. 2 miles, then steep assent up the Hill and long flat ridge walk with fine views for miles over Blackmore Vale and Cranborne Chase. Gentle walk down circling around the other side of the Hill with then long incline before back to Shroton for refreshments and/or lunch at The Cricketers.

October Walks

View, print or download a PDF copy of the October 2025 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 – WORTH MATRAVERS (VIA EAST MAN) TO SEACOMBE CIRCULAR

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.5 miles (ish)
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE
Leader: Ian Swanso – 07906 333799

Meet at the Worth Matravers car park (charges apply). Walk over East Man and down to Seacombe for coffee. Back up and along the Priests Way to Worth and a drink and a pasty at the pub. Good views; lovely coastal spot for coffee. Two stiles, one descent, one steep climb. Rocky coast at Seacombe.

Saturday 4th – CHRISTCHURCH HARBOUR AND HENGISTBURY HEAD

N.B.: The route for this walk has changed since the original walks programme was published due to the suspension of the Mudeford Ferry service
Start Time:
10:20
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 150 921 / BH6 4JU
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Car Share: 09:05; leader will be there
Notes
: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch

Park at junction of Wick Lane and Broadlands Avenue, at Tuckton / Wick. Later start if heavy traffic from Swanage. Walk around the south side of Christchurch Harbour to and across Hengistbury Head, continuing to the far end of the sand spit for a lunch break. Return along the beach on the south side of Hengistbury Head, with a stop at the cafe by Hengistbury Head car park. Retrace route back to Tuckton / Wick. N.B.: Please let the walk leader know in advance if you intend to be at the Car Share Point.

Wednesday 8th – FOUR CHURCH FIGURE OF EIGHT

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 or 12.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 732 874 / DT2 8PG
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch

Meet on the play/sports area in Glebe Way, West Knighton, and park in the same road or adjacent roads. Walkers can elect to complete the first five miles or continue for the full 12.5 miles. A four-church walk from West Knighton via West Stafford, Warmwell and Broadmayne, returning to West Kinghton. Six stiles. About 610ft of elevation. Waterproof boots advised. Please contact the walk leader should you want a lift from Wareham (can take four passengers at a push). N.B.: The short walk only takes in two churches.

Saturday 11th – CORFE MULLEN – HERITAGE WALK

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 988 971 / BH21 3UA
Leader: Karen Pratley – 01929 792497 / 07773 523060

Meet and park at far end of the Corfe Mullen car park behind the Co-op. Approaching from Swanage look for the 2nd Co-op on the left through village (this is also where the village hall and library are situated). Interesting walk on footpaths, lanes and bridleways. No steep hills. Take in 13th century church, part of old market road, and signalman’s cottage on Somerset and Dorset railway.

Wednesday 15th – GODLINGSTON HEATH AND BALLARD DOWN

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.25 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 037 825 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Les Hamilton – 07476 845323
Bus: 09:25 (No. 50); bus time to be confirmed

Meet at National Trust car park at Bankes Arms. The ramble begins across Godlingston Heath, passing Agglestone rock with some steps to climb, and on through the golf course, crossing two stiles and two ‘B’ roads with a short walk along the grassy road verge (with caution) to climb to the Obelisk and on to Ballard Point via Old Harry and back to the NT car park.

Saturday 18th – TARRANT MONKTON CIRCULAR

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 944 088 / DT11 8RX
Leader: Penny and Mike Cleaver – 07870 437967 / 07778 505168
Notes: Postcode is just south of the pub

Meet in the Langton Arms pub car park in Tarrant Monkton. A circular walk from Tarrant Monkton, passing the former airfield at Tarrant Rushton. Several hilly ups and downs with lovely downland views. Option to have lunch at the pub afterwards (will need to confirm numbers beforehand). N.B.: Leaders are happy to car share from Langton Matravers or pick up en route, but they will be staying for the pub lunch after the walk.

Wednesday 22nd – BADBURY RINGS /  PAMPHILL / KINGSTON LACY ESTATE

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7.6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 960 031 / DT11 9JL
Leader: Peter and Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095

Park in Badbury Rings National Trust Car Park (Postcode is nearby in road opposite entrance of NT car park). Walk around the rings then down towards main road. Cross over and skirt around Kingston Lacy Estate. Continue through Kingdown with sweeping views of rolling hills back to the start. Gentle walking with no stiles or steep ascents.

Saturday 25th – BROWNSEA ISLAND

Start Time: 11:40
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 008 903 / BH15 1HJ (Poole Quay)
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)

Park at the Poole Quay multi-storey car park or travel on the No. 40 bus from Swanage. Meet at the Orange Kiosk at Poole Quay to catch the 12:00 Greenslade ferry to Brownsea Island. Cost £14.50. Admission to Brownsea Island is £11.00 (free to National Trust members). Refreshments at Villano Café and three toilets on south side of island. No stiles and wide paths with gentle gradients. Landmarks include Scout Stone and ruins of Maryland village.

Wednesday 29th – STOBOROUGH HEATH CIRCULAR

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 938 863 / BH20 5BU
Leader: Steve Williams –  07766 375151

Park and meet at Stoborough Heath car park on south side of the Stoborough to Arne road beyond Ridge. Walk along old tramway to Imerys Clay Works at Furzebrook. Thence via Creech and Stoborough Heaths to Stoborough village. Then follow Melancholy Lane to New Lane and return to car park across field path. May be muddy if there has been recent rain.

November Walks

Saturday 1st – TALL TREES TRAIL & BLACKWATER ARBORETUM CIRCULAR

Start Time: 10:45
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 267 047 / SO42 7QB
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a picnic lunch

Meet and park at the Tall Trees car park. The car park entrance is off the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. The postcode is for Blackwater Arboretum, which is 100m up the track opposite the entrance to the car park. The terrain is mainly woodland, and is flat with no stiles. The route circles Obor Heath, passing Rhinefield House (hotel), through the Blackwater Arboretum and then follows the Tall Tree Trail, which returns to the car park. The car park has toilets and a pretty decent refreshments mobile cabin. Please note Sat Nav will more than likely take you to Rhinefield House which is 400m south of the car park.

Wednesday 5th – BERE REGIS & TURNERS PUDDLE CIRCULAR

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 846 948 / BH20 7HA
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453

Meet at Turberville Road car park next to Manor Farm Road in Bere Regis. Alternative parking in Elder Road if car park is full. Circular walk including Shitterton, Piddle Wood, Jubilee Trail and Turners Puddle. Fairly easy walking with woodland and rolling countryside. Some mud to be expected.

Saturday 8th – CIRCULAR WALK FROM CATTISTOCK

Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 591 995 / DT2 0JG
Leader: Mike Cleaver – 07778 505168; Penny Cleaver – 07870 437967
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a picnic lunch or eat in Fox & Hounds pub afterwards

Parking to be confirmed by email a week before. Meet and start by the church of St Peter & St Paul. A circular walk taking in the castle hill fort, alongside the river Frome, some minor lanes, woodland areas and open country fields. Passing through the hamlets of Sandhills, West Holway and Chalmington.

Wednesday 12th – CUL-PEPPERS DISH FIGURE OF EIGHT

Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 or 10.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 814 924 / DT2 7HZ
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a picnic lunch

Meet and park at Cul-peppers Dish car park. Walkers can elect to complete the first 5 miles or continue for the full 10.5 miles. Part 1 is woodland and open heathland, passing the Army viewing car park (might see some armoured vehicles) and Lawrence of Arabia Cottage (closed) and back to the car park. Part 2 takes in Turners Puddle and Briantspuddle including Kite Hill. Lunch will be at the car park on completion of Part 1 so all can enjoy lunch together. Note postcode is approx 400m east of car park on road up from Clouds Hill.