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
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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 2025 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 2nd – SCOTLAND AND HARTLAND WAY TRAIL
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 963 853
Leader: Fiona Keeling
Notes: Limit of 15 walkers; sorry, no dogs. See walk description to book a place
Meet and park at entrance to Middlebere Farm. 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 butterflies too. BOOKINGS ONLY: Email fionaak@hotmail.com to book a place..
Saturday 5th – WEYMOUTH PARKS AND GARDENS
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 682 805 / DT4 7LQ
Leader: Clive and Rosemary Hargrave – 01929 550399 / 07791 776338
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch. Please note later start time
Circular walk around Weymouth taking in Weymouth seafront/harbour; Greenhill Gardens; Nothe Gardens; Sandsfoot Castle (lunch stop); Radipole trail and Radipole Bird Reserve; Radipole Park Gardens. Meet at the main entrance to Weymouth College in Cranford Avenue, Weymouth (by the roundabout). Park considerately in roads nearby.
Wednesday 9th – POOLE QUAY TO SANDBANKS – COASTAL CRUISES
Start Time: 11:20
Distance: 4.87 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 010 902 / BH15 1HJ (Poole Quay)
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Bus: See walk description for details
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch
Check first thing on Wednesday morning in case the sailing is cancelled at: www.coastalcruisespoole.co.uk Meet on Swanage Pier (Grid ref. SZ 036 788) at 11:20 to catch the 11:45 sailing on the Coastal Cruises boat boarding at 11:30. You can pre-book online, but you don’t need to. You can pay in the hut half way down the pier or, if no one is there, you can pay on board. Code SWANTIC20 gets a 20% discount whichever way you pay. Boat arrives at Poole Quay at 12:30. Fare £17.
Walk on hard surface on Poole Harbour trail near heavy traffic at Lilliput and steps down to rejoin coastal path. No stiles. Toilets at Baiter Park and Sandbanks (wait near toilets until all have rejoined walk). Return bus (No. 50) leaves Sandbanks at 17:35 and 18:15.
If you want to join the walk by bus from Swanage you can catch the 10:00 No. 40 service to Poole bus station and either walk to Poole Quay or catch the Route 1 bus (every 15 minutes) from the bus station to the quay.
Thursday 10th – EVENING BEACH PICNIC – STUDLAND SOUTH BEACH, PRECEDED BY A WALK TO OLD HARRY
Start Time: Walk 16:00; picnic from 18:00
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)
Notes: If weather is bad, walk/beach picnic will be postponed to Thursday July 24th
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. See Events in the menu bar for more information about the beach picnic.
Saturday 12th – CORFE CASTLE – LITTLE WOOLGARSTON – BRENSCOMBE
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5+ miles approx
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Peter and Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095
Bus: 09:30 (No. 30)
Park and meet at Corfe National Trust Visitor Centre car park. Walk via Corfe village and common to Little Woolgarston. Fairly steepish ascent up to the ridge. Return along Purbeck Way and School Crossing over railway to Corfe. There are a few stiles. Great views if weather is fine. The walk officially ends at the school next to the Castle Inn, from where you can catch a return bus, make your way back to the car park, or visit the Food and Drink Festival at the castle. Please remember to bring plenty of water as the forecast is for hot weather.
Monday 14th – ULWELL, KNITSON, GODLINGSTON MANOR (EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 17:30
Distance: 3.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 021 809 / BH19 3DG
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Bus: 17:15 (No. 50)
Meet and start at Ulwell lay-by opposite the Village Inn. Walk via the base of Nine Barrow Down to Knitson, returning via Godlingston Manor. Option to go to the Village Inn after the walk for drinks/food. Please let the walk leader know asap if you plan to stay for a meal after the walk so he can attempt to book an appropriate number of places.
Wednesday 16th – ACTON TO CORFE CASTLE LINEAR
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 988 786 / BH19 3JN
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)
Meet at Acton Lane car park at the top end of Langton Matravers. Linear walk from Acton to Corfe following the Quarry to Castle Trail. Takes in Langton West Wood, Quarr Farm, Afflington Manor, Purbeck Way and Corfe Common. 3 or 4 stiles on the walk with one steepish ascent. May be muddy on Purbeck Way.
Thursday 17th – STUDLAND TO STUDLAND HEATH AND LITTLE SEA (EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 18:00
Distance: 4 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 Little Sea. Circle back through Studland Heath and return to Studland along the beach. Refreshments afterwards at the Bankes Arms.
Saturday 19th – LANGTON MATRAVERS TO DURLSTON
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 5.8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 997 782 / BH19 3HG
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)
Meet and start at Spyway National Trust car park. Park there (free for NT members), or if not an NT member in Durnford Drove (5 minutes walk away). Walk to Townsend Nature Reserve via Priests Way and Caravan Park. Then to upper coast path at Durlston. Return along top coast path via White Ware and Spyway. N.B.: Upper coast path is very uneven in places, and several stiles – could be muddy if recent heavy rain.
Wednesday 23rd – FONTMELL DOWN, COMPTON ABBAS VILLAGE
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 886 187 / SP5 5AP
Leader: Karen Pratley – 01929 792497 / 07773 523060
Notes: Postcode is for nearest point at Compton Abbas Airfield
Meet for car shares at 09:30 in Elder Road, Bere Regis (Grid ref. SY 846 947; Postcode BH20 7LY). Start at Fontmell Down National Trust car park (free limited parking). Some alternative parking on triangle at approach to airfield. A downland walk with fine views over Cranborne Chase and Blackmoor Vale. Some hills and descents + Compton Abbas Village and Church. Option to end the walk with refreshments at Compton Abbas Airfield.
Saturday 26th – WAREHAM QUAY TO WOOL TRAIN STATION
Start Time: 09:46
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 923 871 / BH20 4LP
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Notes: Walk Leader will be on No. 40 from Poole
Meet on the green opposite Wareham Quay; park locally. A flat walk via Wareham Common, Worgret Heath, Holmebridge and East Stoke. Several stiles. Return by bus (No. 30) from Wool Train Station to Wareham/Swanage.
Monday 28th – 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 – 07766 630453
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. There are a couple of stiles on the walk and also an uphill stretch from Hill Bottom. Plan to finish in Square & Compass pub to take advantage of the long daylight hours.
Wednesday 30th – CHALDON HERRING (ALSO CALLED EAST CHALDON) CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:45
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 790 833 / DT2 8DN
Leader: Tricia Postins – 07736 681657; Penny Cleaver – 07870 437967
Notes: Please car share where possible due to limited parking
Meet on the grassy triangular area just down the road from the Sailors Return pub (about 200 yards south of pub). Parking is an issue, so please park with care in the village where you can (there may be space alongside the grassy triangular area). You can park in the Sailors Return car park IF you plan to eat there after the walk (they stop serving at 2pm), but you will need to book a table a week or so before. This is a lovely scenic walk through countryside, rising up to the ridge above the South West Coast Path, then inland again from Daggers Gate. The first mile is along a country road and the last ¼ mile is the same.
August Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the August 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.
Saturday 2nd – SPETISBURY CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 908 029 / DT11 9DF
Leader: Clive and Rosemary Hargrave – 01929 550399 / 07791 776338
Meet and park in the free car park by Spetisbury Primary School at the north end of the village. An easy walk over the river meadows from Spetisbury to Tarrant Crawford church and return on the North Dorset Trailway. No stiles or steep hills.
Wednesday 6th – CORFE CASTLE – PURBECK RIDGE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Les Hamilton – 07476 845323
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)
Meet at Corfe Castle National Trust Visitor Centre car park. Walk along the Purbeck ridge with some far reaching views, returning via the lane to East Creech and through Norden Wood bridleway (this bit can get muddy!) and finally on to the Purbeck Way. There is one stile to climb.
Saturday 9th – WORTH MATRAVERS AND KIMMERIDGE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 9 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE
Leader: Rob Lobley – 07766 630453
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch
Meet at Worth Matravers car park. Head towards coast above Chapman’s Pool then follow coastal path to Kimmeridge. Return via Kingston and Hill Bottom. Some steepish ascents and descents on coastal path and a long steady ascent to ridge on return. A couple of stiles on the walk. Optional drink in Square & Compass pub after walk – you may need it!
Wednesday 13th – FERNDOWN COMMON TO LONGHAM CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 065 007 / BH22 9SY
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: Postcode is for the housing estate opposite car park
Park and start from the car park at the junction of Bracken Road and Wimborne Road East in Ferndown. A route following the Ferndown Common Trail. Route is through woodland, across open common and past Longham lakes, with a mid-walk snack break. Option to meet afterwards for a drink at The Pure Drop pub on Wimborne Road East.
Saturday 16th – ULWELL CIRCULAR – SHORT VERSION
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 as you are leaving Swanage, just past the turning for the Ulwell Village Inn. Short circular walk via Godlingston Manor, Windmill Knap, and Knitson Farm.
Wednesday 20th – 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 packed lunch
Meet at Gorley Common Car Park. A walk via Gorley Hill, passing Furze Hill and joining the Avon Valley Path. Return via Bickton. N.B.: Postcode is for nearby The Potting Shed cafe, Hyde near Fordingbridge. Please contact the walk leader should you want to leave your car at his house (BH16 6JS) and travel with him.
Thursday 21st – DURLSTON VICTORIAN TRAIL (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 in Swanage at 18:00 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 leader for a drink/meal afterwards in Swanage.
Saturday 23rd – LINEAR WALK, LANGTON MATRAVERS TO KINGSTON VIA CORFE
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 994 787 / BH19 3HN
Leader: Penny Cleaver – 07870 437967
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet at the end of Toms Field Road where it joins the High Street in Langton Matravers. A gentle walk across the fields down to Corfe, with a short stretch alongside the road before crossing Corfe Common. We’ll stop for a coffee break in Corfe before a long steady ascent back up to Kingston. Option to stay for a drink at the Scott Arms before catching the bus back to Langton or Swanage.
Wednesday 27th – KIMMERIDGE TO SWYRE HEAD CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:45
Distance: 5 miles (ish)
Location Grid Ref: SY 918 800
Leader: Celia and Nick Arnold – 07950 847450 / 07771 361640
Meet and park at Kimmeridge quarry car park (top of hill before descent into Kimmeridge). Walk along bridleway to Swyre Head. Down lots of steep steps to Rope Lake Head. Back past Clavell Tower to Kimmeridge Beach. Return through village and up the hill by the church to the car park.
Friday 29th – LULWORTH COVE TO WOOL VIA MUPE BAY (OPTION TO SWIM) AND LULWORTH CASTLE (FRIDAY WALK)
Start Time: 10:45
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 823 799 / BH20 5RQ
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Bus: 09:30 at Swanage; 09:59 at Wareham (No. 30)
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch. This is a linear walk using buses at the start and finish
Meet at the bus stop at Lulworth Cove. Walk round the cove (over rock fall – tricky) and past fossil forest to Mupe Bay for coffee break and optional swim (or to explore rocks). Up very steep climb to Bindon Hill and on to Arish Mell. Then through Lulworth Castle park to Coombe Keynes and on to Wool Primary School. Toilets at Lulworth Cove and Castle, and option to walk to road at Coombe Keynes for bus out, saving 2 miles. Return bus from Wool probably at 15:30 or 16:30. N.B.: If coming by car, you could park near Wool Primary School and catch the bus to Lulworth there (departing 10.24).
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 – ANOTHER SWANAGE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 029 789 / BH19 1HB
Leader: Barbara Pietrusiewicz – 07740 777800
Bus: 08:35 from Poole, 09:14 from Wareham (No. 40); 08:46 from Bournemouth Square (No. 50)
Notes: Please let the walk leader know if you are arriving by bus
Meet on the grass opposite Swanage bus/train station. A scenic circular walk via Godlingston Manor, Knitson Farm and Priests Way. A few stiles and two gradual ascents/descents.
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. N.B.: Please contact the walk leader should you want to leave your car at his house (BH16 6JS) and travel with him.
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: 5.8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 775 982 / DT2 7LU
Leader: Lesley Watts – 01672 569209 / 07359 479879
Park and start walk in Church Street, Dewlish, opposite All Saints Church. A walk of ascents and descents, although none too challenging, and a dozen stiles. Mostly on good tracks and field paths with potential for some muddy patches in valley bottoms. Good waterproof boots recommended as some field paths indistinct in ankle-height grass. Option to lunch after the walk at The Oak pub at Dewlish. Please let the walk leader know in advance if you want lunch as the pub requires pre-orders for large groups. Menu to follow (by email before walk).
Saturday 27th – HAMBLEDON HILL AND SHROTON
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 6 miles (ish)
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 829 132 / DT11 8HD
Leader: Simon Nightingale – 07811 169702
Notes: ALL DAY WALK. Bring a packed lunch or eat at The Saxon Inn
Meet at The Saxon Inn, Gold Hill, Child Okeford. Park in the adjoining lane (to be confirmed). A scenic circular walk from the inn, around the north side and up over Hambledon Hill (site of an ancient Neolithic Camp, considered by many as one of the finest examples in southern England) with views down to the villages of Shroton and Iwerne Courtney. Then down to Shroton and around the south side of Hambledon Hill, back to Child Oakford and refreshment in The Saxon Inn.
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 – 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; 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. 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 approx. £5 (cash) per person (Mudeford ferry £3.50; Wick ferry £1.50).
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. 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.