Walks Programme
Thank you to all the walk leaders who have submitted walks for this Summer/Autumn Programme. Without you this programme would not be possible, so please keep sending them to me, and if you have walks that you would like to include in the next programme (Winter 2024/2025 – November 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 note that we are no longer including Car Share times from Swanage (Northbrook Road lay-by 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.
I hope to see you all on the walks this Summer and Autumn.
Brian Arnold – 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 2024 walks. The 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 – SCOTLAND AND HARTLAND TRAIL
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 963 854
Leader: Fiona Keeling – 07594 563444 (on day only)
Meet and park at entrance to Middlebere Farm (this is about 1 mile after Scotland Farm, if coming from Norden roundabout rather than Wareham).
A circular walk through flower meadows and along the Hartland Trail. Easy walking, with no steep slopes or stiles. Hopefully the flowers will be in bloom, meaning there should be butterflies too. Limited Parking. SORRY, NO DOGS PLEASE.
Thursday 4th – EVENING BEACH PICNIC AT STUDLAND SOUTH BEACH PRECEDED BY A WALK TO OLD HARRY
Start Time: 16:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 038 824 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Jane Hamilton (for the picnic) 07935 074555 / Les Hamilton (for the walk) 07476 845323
Bus: 15:15 (No. 50)
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 6th – CORFE CASTLE TO SCOTLAND
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Carol Pelling – 07903 676909
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
A level walk starting from Corfe Castle NT car park. Head around West Hill to Norden Heath, across the railway line and A351, towards Scotland Farm and then return to Corfe Castle.
Wednesday 10th – STUDLAND TO STUDLAND HEATH AND LITTLE SEA
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 037 825 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 09:45 (No. 50)
A new short walk: 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.
Thursday 11th – WORTH MATRAVERS & HILL BOTTOM CIRCULAR (EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 18:30
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
EVENING WALK. Meet at Worth Matravers car park. This is a short circular walk taking in Hill Bottom and a small part of the coastal path above Chapman’s Pool. Return to Worth via Weston Farm. Plan to finish in Square and Compass to take advantage of the long daylight hours. There are a couple of stiles on the walk and also an uphill stretch from Hill Bottom.
Saturday 13th – WEYMOUTH PARKS AND GARDENS
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 682 805 / DT4 7LQ
Leader: Clive & Rosemary Hargrave – 01929 550399 / 07791 776338
Notes: All day walk. Bring picnic lunch
Circular walk around Weymouth taking in Weymouth seafront/harbour, Greenhill gardens, Nothe Gardens, Sandsfoot Castle (lunch stop), Rodwell Trail, Radipole Bird Reserve and lastly Radipole Gardens. Meet at the main entrance, by the roundabout outside Weymouth College in Cranford Avenue. Park considerately in roads nearby. Postcode is for Weymouth College.
Wednesday 17th – CIRCULAR WALK FROM BOWLEAZE COVE VIA WHITE HORSE HILL
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 702 821 / DT3 6PP
Leader: Liz Tonks – 01929 288814 / 07941 060958
Park on road to meet by entrance to Waterside Holiday Park. Walk across farmland to Preston, pass through Osmington village and up to the ridge, following path above White Horse Hill and then down to Sutton Poyntz passing the duck pond. Follow path back to Preston and then through caravan site back to Bowleaze.
Saturday 20th – STEEPLE VIEW POINT, TYNEHAM, GAD CLIFF & STEEPLE LEAZE FARM
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 904 817
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Meet at Steeple CP (at viewpoint on top of Grange Hill overlooking Steeple) and go via Tyneham to Gad Cliff. Return to start via Steeple Leaze Farm. A couple of moderate climbs on the walk.
Wednesday 24th – BREAMORE HOUSE FIGURE OF EIGHT
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 7/11 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 151 187 / SP6 2DB
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk. Bring picnic lunch
Park and start from the Breamore Pantry Barn Cafe (free) car park. The car park gates open at 10am. Please try to car share, if possible. The walk passes the cafe at the 7 mile point, which allows walkers to decide to either finish or complete the full 11 miles. The walk takes in open fields and waterway views, lovely woodlands, manor houses, a dismantled railway and station. Option to visit the cafe after the walk for drinks/food. A limited selection of bottled beers are also available.
Thursday 25th – ULWELL CIRCULAR – (BONUS SHORT MORNING WALK)
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 3.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 021 809 / BH19 3DG
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
BUS: 09:45 (No. 50)
Meet at first lay-by car park on right hand side of Ulwell Road, just past turning for Ulwell Inn. Short circular walk via Godlingston Manor, Windmill Knap,and Knitson Farm.
Saturday 27th – THERE IS NO WALK FOR TODAY
If you would like to lead a walk on this date please contact Brian Arnold.
Wednesday 31st – MILTON ABBAS TO WINTERBORNE STICKLAND
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 809 021 / DT11 0AT
Leader: Bryan and Caroline Stubbs – 01202 280427 / 07710 016849
Park considerately in road named Catherine’s Well (DT11 0AT), Milton Abbas. A walk in hilly countryside to Winterborne Stickland via Winterborne Houghton, returning along the Jubilee trail through woodland. Can be muddy in parts.
August Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the August 2024 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.
Thursday 1st – SANDBANKS TO DURLEY CHINE RETURN (EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 16:30
Distance: 6.4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 043 876 / BH13 7QD
Leader: Peter and Lyn Hool – 07720 981404
Bus: 15:45 (No. 50)
Bus from Swanage (No. 50). Meet at exit of Sandbanks Shore Road CP opposite North Haven yacht club (car park is expensive!). Alternative parking at NT Shell Bay, then ferry as foot passenger to walk to Shore Road CP for start of walk.
Walk along Banks Road to Shore Road along harbour side. Then turn onto beach promenade at Shore Road and walk along promenade to Durley Chine. Take a picnic or eat at Harvester. Menu is on their website. Walk back via harbour to enjoy sunset. Flat easy walking.
Return by bus at 20:10 or 21:10 or 22:10.
Saturday 3rd – KIMMERIDGE TO TYNEHAM
Start Time: 09.30
Distance: 7.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 918 800
Leader: Carol Pelling – 07903 676909
Park and start from the free Kimmeridge Quarry car park. Walk down past the church and through the fields to the coast, west along the coast above Gad Cliff and break at Tyneham Farm. Back along the ridge.
Wednesday 7th – WORTH & ST ALDHELM’S HEAD
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 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. Everyone is welcome to join him. Option to avoid steps by returning directly to Worth from St Aldhelm’s.
Saturday 10th – KINGSTON TO SWYRE HEAD VIA COASTAL PATH
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 953 794
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Meet at Houns Tout car park, Kingston. Go to coast via The Plantation. West along coastal path to Rope Lake Head returning to Kingston via Swyre Head. Very steep descent when you reach coastal path and steep ascent to Swyre Head (+/- 100 steps).
Wednesday 14th – LANGTON MATRAVERS TO SWANAGE LINEAR
Start Time: 10:20
Distance: 5.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 998 788
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Bus: 10.00 (No. 40)
Take bus from Swanage or park in Langton and take bus back to Langton after walk. Meet at St George’s church in Langton Matravers then go to Dancing Ledge via Durnford Drove. Take coastal path to Swanage finishing by Mowlem Centre. Steepish decent to Dancing Ledge then several climbs and descents along coastal path. Should anyone wish to come by bus from Poole direction, please contact walk leader.
Thursday 15th – A NEW EVENING WALK – STUDLAND TO STUDLAND HEATH AND LITTLE SEA
Start Time: 18:00
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 037 825 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 17.15 (No. 50)
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. Refreshments afterwards at the Bankes Arms.
Saturday 17th – MUPE BAY AND LULWORTH COVE
Start Time: 10:40
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 829 807 / BH20 5SP
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Bus: 09:30 from Swanage / 09:59 from Wareham (No. 30)
Meet at junction of Farm Lane and School Lane in West Lulworth. Leave the bus at Castle Inn and walk up School Lane, or park considerately in Farm Lane/Shepherds Way.
Walk over Bindon Hill to Mupe Bay and explore the beach and rocks; on to Fossil Forest and view over Lulworth Cove, then round the cove (pebbles) and back to West Lulworth (or bus from the cove). Beautiful views of Worbarrow Bay and Lulworth Cove (2 stiles). (Depending on the state of access in Lulworth Cove, return may have to come back over Bindon Hill.)
Wednesday 21st – WEST LULWORTH TO OVERCOMBE
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 10 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 822 807 / BH20 5RY
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk. Bring picnic lunch
Park and start opposite Holy Trinity Church, West Lulworth. A route following the coastal path, via Ringstead Bay to OverCombe. Returning by No. 30 bus to West Lulworth (probably at 15:35; else 1 hour later). Some challenging ascents/descents with lovely sea views.
Saturday 24th – CULPEPPERS DISH TO MORETON
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 814 924 / DT2 7HZ
Leader: Bryan and Caroline Stubbs – 01202 280427 / 07710 016849
Notes: Postcode is for nearby Culpeppers Cottage which is 1⁄4 mile east of meeting place.
Meet at Culpeppers Dish CP for a walk along the Jubilee Trail through Oakers Wood to Moreton. Break at Dovecote Café, Moreton. Return via Moreton Plantation and Clouds Hill.
Wednesday 28th – NORTH DORSET DAY OUT
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 860 094 / DT11 8JZ
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Car share: 09:15
Notes: All day walk. Bring picnic lunch
Park with consideration to local residents in Manor Road, Stourpaine, and assemble by the church at the end of Manor Road. (If coming from Blandford on the A350, turn left just after the White Horse pub into South Holme. At the end of that road, after about 100 yards, there is a staggered cross roads – you can turn left or right into Manor Road at this junction.) There is a car park at the church, but best not to fill it up in case there is an event at the church. Circular walk taking in Hod Hill, Hambledon Hill (stop for picnic lunch), Child Okeford and Shillingstone to visit Shillingstone Railway Project (Stop for restored station, museum and café). Return along the North Dorset Trailway.
Thursday 29th – DURLSTON VICTORIAN TRAIL (SHORT EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 18:00
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 031 788 / BH19 1DD
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Meet outside Mowlem Theatre for a circular walk to Durlston Castle, going out via the coast path and returning via the flower meadows. The walk will broadly follow the route of the designated Durlston Victorian Trial. Option to join the walk leader for a drink/meal afterwards at the Red Lion.
Saturday 31st – GORE AND HOLTON HEATHS
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.1 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 933 901 / BH20 7BN
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Park by Sandford Primary School off of roundabout (Woodlands Drive – to left or right of roundabout, by or opposite school). Walk Gore Heath to Sherford returning via Organford, St Martin’s Hill and Holton Heath Nature Reserve. Woodland tracks. Easy level walking, some road walking (mostly pavement). No stiles.
September Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the September 2024 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 4th – HERSTON TO DURLSTON
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 016 789 / BH19 2NW
Leader: Jackie and Peter Jacobs – 07788 643471 / 07711 799877
Start by Harlee’s fish & chip shop, junction of Jubilee Road and High Street, Swanage. Parking in roads nearby. Walk from Herston up to cliffs, and to Durlston Castle (probably via Tilly Whim) and back via Townsend Nature Reserve. Lovely sea views. Some hills and one steep climb. May be muddy and slippery in parts. Stop at Durlston Castle half way for coffee break in cafe, or bring your own snack.
Thursday 5th – VISIT TO DORSET CIDER FARM
Start Time: 14.00
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 973 833 / BH20 5JP
Leader: Jane Hamilton – 07935 074555
Visit to Dorset Cider Farm at Lower Bushey Farm near Corfe Castle. More details nearer the date.
Saturday 7th – THERE IS NO WALK FOR TODAY
If you would like to lead a walk on this date, please contact Brian Arnold.
Wednesday 11th – NORTH GORLEY CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 168 119 / SP6 2QB
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk. Bring a picnic lunch.
Meet at Gorley Common Car Park. NB: Postcode is for nearby The Potting Shed cafe. A walk via Gorley Hill, passing Furze Hill and joining the Avon Valley Path. Return via Bickton.
Saturday 14th – POOLE TO BANKES ARMS, STUDLAND, VIA SANDBANKS FERRY
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 9 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 016 909 / BH15 1SN
Leader: Penny and Mike Cleaver – 07870 437967 / 07778 505168
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Notes: All day walk. Bring a picnic lunch
A linear walk, starting from Poole Bus Station (catch the 9am No. 40 bus from Swanage to Poole, arriving at 10.15am). Walking through Poole Town to the quay, then picking up the Poole Harbour Trail along Whitecliff, down Evening Hill and along Sandbanks to the ferry. This will all be road walking until we cross the ferry, when we then walk along the beach to the Bankes Arms, where we finish. Option to have a drink, before catching the No. 50 bus back to Swanage. (Option to catch the No. 50 bus back to Swanage from the ferry for those who prefer a shorter 5.5 mile walk).
Tuesday 17th – YARMOUTH AND FRESHWATER BAY – WAVERLEY PADDLE STEAMER
Start Time: 10:20
Distance: 6.3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 354 900 / PO41 0PE (Yarmouth Pier)
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Notes: All day walk. Bring a picnic lunch
In case the sailing is cancelled, check first thing on the Tuesday morning at waverleyexcursions.co.uk. Meet on Swanage Pier (Grid reference SZ 036 788) at 10:20 to catch 10:50 sailing on Waverley paddle steamer to Yarmouth, arriving at 12:40. (Adults £49; senior citizens £45.) Eat lunch on board as there will be no long breaks on the walk. At 13:20 catch No. 7 bus from Stand B at Yarmouth bus station (four minutes’ walk from pier) to Totland Christ Church, arriving at 13:41. Walk back to Yarmouth via Tennyson Trail, Freshwater Bay and disused railway track by River Yar. There is some road walking and a steep climb to Tennyson monument. Toilets at Yarmouth, Totland and Freshwater Bay. Return sailing leaves Yarmouth pier at 17:10 to arrive at Swanage at 18:40. N.B.: You can also board the Waverley at Poole at 09:30, returning to Poole at 19:45 by coach from Swanage. (Adults £51; senior citizens £49.)
Wednesday 18th – CORFE CASTLE – ROLLINGTON HILL – LITTLE WOOLGARSTON
Start Time: 10.30
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07851 006785
Bus: 10.00 (No. 40)
Notes: 10:30 start to connect with No. 40 bus.
Park at Corfe National Trust Visitor Centre car park (free for NT members). Visitor Centre toilets should be open. Walk up Sandy Lane towards Brenscombe Hill, and then descend to Woolgarston and Corfe Common returning to castle.
Saturday 21st – EDGE OF SWANAGE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 030 802 / BH19 1NE
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 09.45 (No. 50)
Notes: Bus and start times to be confirmed
Meet at Ballard Stores, Ulwell (now closed). Walk around the edge of Swanage via Ulwell, Godlingston Manor, Marsh Copse, Leeson Woods, Herston, Priests Way/Priests Road and back along the Swanage sea front. If you prefer a shorter walk (between 3 and 4 miles), then it is possible to leave this walk at Herston and return to the start via the Town Centre or via Prospect allotments.
Wednesday 25th – BURNBAKE AND POOLE HARBOUR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 995 835 / BH20 5JH
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Car Share: 09:30
Notes: There is a parking charge of £2 at Burnbake (for the staff tip box) which the walk leader will collect
Meet at Burnbake camp site. A circular walk down to Poole Harbour and walking alongside Purbeck golf course. Ideal easy walk through trees and heath; mainly on good paths. One slow and easy climb. Good views of Poole Harbour. No stiles.
Saturday 28th – CIRCUIT OF CHRISTCHURCH HARBOUR
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
Notes: All day walk. Bring a picnic lunch
Park at junction of Wick Lane and Broadlands Avenue, at Tuckton / Wick. Later start if heavy traffic from Swanage. Easy level walk via Hengistbury Head (small up/down), Mudeford Quay, Stanpit Marsh and Christchurch. Pub and café at picnic stop. No stiles. Two ferries during walk at total cost of approx. £3 per person.
October Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the October 2024 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 – WAREHAM FOREST, ST EDWARDS CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 906 893 / BH20 7PE
Leader: Clive and Rosemary Hargrave – 01929 550399 / 07791 776338
Notes: Postcode is 1⁄2km north west of car park
Park and meet at Sika Trail car park. Easy circular walk following St Edwards Way, via Carey, Northmoor and Wareham Forest, to return to start. May be some mud if recent rain.
Saturday 5th – POOLE HARBOUR TRAIL
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 991 929 / BH17 7BJ
Leader: Kevin and Jean Harradine – 07748 338294
Notes: Car parking charges apply – currently £6 for 4 hours
A flat circular walk starting from Upton Country Park and with no stiles. The route circles around Poole Harbour, passing Holes Bay and Poole Quay. Full details to be provided closer to the time.
Wednesday 9th – GREENLANDS FARM TO OWER COTTAGE VIA NEWTON HEATH
Start Time: 10:10
Distance: 5.6 miles
Location Grid Ref: SZ 025 843
Leader: Peter and Lyn Hool – 07720 981404
Bus: 09:45 (No. 50)
Notes: Bus and start times to be confirmed
Park on road side by Greenlands Farm, Ferry Road (Goathorn Farm bus stop). This is a flat walk on firm tracks across Newton Heath towards Ower Heath to Ower Cottage. Stop for coffee on the beach and back through Ower Farm (harbour views) to Ferry Road. No hills, stiles or muddy paths.
Saturday 12th – RENSCOMBE TO KINGSTON AND WORTH MATRAVERS
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 964 774 / BH19 3LL
Leader: Helen Hannay – 07464 938760
Park and start from Renscombe car park (1km west of Worth Matravers). Walk to Hill Bottom, and then up to Kingston. Return via Combe Bottom and on the Purbeck Way.
Wednesday 16th – WAREHAM, CAREY, NORTHPORT CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 917 874 / BH20 4PG
Leader: Nick and Celia Arnold – 07950 847450 / 07771 361640
Meet at free car park at end of Streche Road. Walk takes you via West Mills to Carey Heath, crossing Bere Road to Northport Heath and returning to Wareham, following North Wall back to start point. Fairly flat, no stiles.
Saturday 19th – WINFRITH NEWBURGH CIRCULAR WALK
Start Time: 09:45
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 810 857 / DT2 8LL
Leader: Penny and Mike Cleaver – 07870 437967 / 07778 505168
Park in The Countryman Inn car park in East Knighton. A circular walk through Winfrith Newburgh, Tadnoll and Winfrith Heath Nature Reserves, then onto Whitcombe Hill, Whitcombe Vale and Blacknoll Hill. Good views over the surrounding areas. Option to have lunch at the pub afterwards (will need to confirm numbers before we start walk).
Wednesday 23rd – BOVERIDGE HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 9.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 085 095 / BH31 7PF
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk. Bring a picnic lunch. NB: Postcode is for No. 2 Coopers Lane
Meet and park on Coopers Lane opposite the road leading to the school entrance. A walk via Wild Church Bottom, passing Plumley Hill, and returning via Cranborne Common. Woodland trails and open heathland views.
Saturday 26th – SWANAGE TO CORFE CASTLE RAILWAY WALK
Start Time: 09:50
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 029 789 / BH19 1HB
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: No. 40
Notes: Walk leader will await arrival of No. 40 bus from Wareham/Corfe Castle
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 camp site and Sandyhills Copse. Return to Swanage by bus or train or join walk leader for refreshments in Corfe Castle. (Walkers coming from the Wareham direction may wish to park in Corfe Castle NT Visitor Centre car park (free to NT members) and catch the 09:20 No.40 bus to Swanage for the start of the walk. Walk leader will await arrival of the bus.)
Wednesday 30th – RINGSTEAD BAY TO WHITE NOTHE
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 760 824 / DT2 8NQ
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Meet at Ringstead Bay National Trust free car park (on A353 – SY 740 834 –turn left to Ringstead, then continue for about 1.4 miles to end of tarmac road and along to end of hillside car park). Park at far end of car park, overlooking bay and Portland. A circular walk to beautiful White Nothe, then down via pretty St Catherine’s church to the bay and along via the coast path to a car park (toilets) and further along for a ramble up through trees and streams. Then a steep climb back to the car park. Wonderful views towards Durdle Door and Portland and the beach at Ringstead. Magnificent cliffs. Some gentle walking with one stile in the middle. If anyone wants a lift, please ring walk leader beforehand to arrange a pick up and time.