Walks Programme
Thank you to all the walk leaders who have submitted walks for this Winter 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 (Spring 2025 – March to June inclusive), 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.
We will have our usual Christmas break, so there are no walks on Wednesday December 25th and Saturday December 28th, or on Wednesday January 1st.
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, especially in winter, can be wet and muddy, so come in suitable clothing. If you are coming in someone else’s car then bring a change of shoes and a bag to put your muddy boots into.
Also please check your emails for any late cancellation of a walk, especially if the forecast is for inclement weather.
I hope to see you all on the walks this winter.
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.
November Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the November 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.
Saturday 2nd – BALLARD DOWN AND OLD HARRY CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SZ 029 802 / BH19 1NE
Leader: Les Hamilton – 07476 845323
Bus: 09:25 (No. 50)
Meet at Ballard Down stores (now closed). Ascend to Ballard Down via sunken path from Hill Road, on to Ballard Point, Old Harry via Studland and up past the Glebe Estate then descend to the start. Easy walk with one steepish climb from Studland to Ballard Down.
Wednesday 6th – CIRCULAR WALK FROM STUDLAND
N.B.: The start time for this walk and the bus details have changed since the walk was published in the original programme
Start Time: 09:50
Distance: 5.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 037 825 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Julie and Dave Rollinson – 07935 226533
Bus: 09:15 (No. 50X) – arrives at Studland Stores and PO at 09:28
Meet and start at Bankes Arms National Trust car park in Studland. Follow lower path, then up Ballard Down to the Obelisk. Drop down to the road, crossing over to the golf course and walking down the heathland to Knoll beach, toilets. Carry on along the beach and headland to the pub. Two ascents. Lovely views. Return No. 50X buses leave Studland for Swanage at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30.
Saturday 9th – CORFE, NORDEN AND BLUE POOL
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Peter Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095
Car share: 09:15
Start at Corfe National Trust Visitor Centre car park. To Norden and then Poole Harbour Trail to Scotland Farm. Across open heathlands to A351 at Cats Eye. Cross railway and onto Norden Heath and around Blue Pool towards Furzebrook. Do full circle around Blue Pool and return via Norden Farm. Fairly flat but can be very muddy in places. Five stiles all in the first half of the walk. Walking stick recommended. There were some cattle in fields so any dogs must be on a lead, preferably all the time.
Wednesday 13th – BERE REGIS AND TURNERS PUDDLE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 846 948 / BH20 7HA
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 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.
Saturday 16th – UPTON COUNTRY HOUSE AND UPTON HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 992 936 / BH17 7YB
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet and park on Woodpecker Drive opposite Blackbird Close. A walk skirting Upton Country House, Upton Wood and Upton Heath. Woodland trails and open heathland views. Bus users to alight at the Upton Country House bus stop (10:06) and walk to the entrance to the country park to meet car drivers there. Fairly flat, no stiles.
Wednesday 20th – WAREHAM FOREST, ST EDWARD’S WAY
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 906 893 / BH20 7PE
Leader: Clive & Rosemary Hargrave – 01929 550399 / 07791 776338
Notes: Postcode is ½km north west of car park
Park and meet at Sika Trail car park. Easy circular walk from Sika Trail car park following St Edward’s Way via Carey, Northmoor and Wareham Forest to return to start. May be some mud if recent rain.
Saturday 23rd – SHORT WALK FROM STUDLAND TO SWANAGE
N.B.: THIS WALK IS CANCELLED
Start Time: 09:45
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 034 824 / BH19 3AE
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 09:25 (No. 50) – Walk leader will join the bus in Ulwell
Notes: Timings for this walk will change if the Sandbanks ferry is still closed for maintenance. Alternative bus and start times will be emailed to you if necessary
Meet outside Studland Stores after arrival of 09:25 No. 50 bus from Swanage. Walk back along the coast path to Swanage via Ballard Point and New Swanage. (Alternatively, park in Studland to do the walk and return by bus).
Wednesday 27th – STUDLAND, BALLARD DOWN AND HANDFAST POINT (OLD HARRY)
Start Time: 10:35
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 037 825 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Peter and Lyn Hool – 07720 981404
Bus: 10:05 (No. 50)
Notes: Timings for this walk will change if the Sandbanks ferry is still closed for maintenance. Alternative bus and start times will be emailed to you if necessary
Park in National Trust car park by Bankes Arms in Studland (free for NT members). Walk via Studland Church, footpath to Woodhouse up to Ballard Down and back via Handfast Point. One steepish climb up from Woodhouse to Ballard Down. Option to join the leaders after the walk for a drink/snack.
Saturday 30th – DECOY AND NORTHPORT HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:50
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 921 886 / BH20 4DH
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet and park at the Wareham Golf Club car park. A heath walk passing Great Ovens hill, Decoy Heath, Morden Bog and returning through Northport Heath to the golf club. You are all welcome to join me for refreshments in the club house after the walk (change of boots would be required). Bus users to alight at the Wareham Golf Course bus stop (09:43). Fairly flat, no stiles. Some mud. Good boots and a stick recommended.
December Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the December 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 – CORFE CASTLE-PURBECK RIDGE CIRCULAR
N.B.: Details for this walk have changed since the walk was published in the original programme
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 5.8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Les Hamilton – 07476 845323
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)
Notes: NO DOGS PLEASE
Meet at National Trust Visitor Centre car park in Corfe Castle. Walk along the Purbeck ridge with some far reaching views, returning via the lane to East Creech, past the Creech Barrow Seven Memorial, and back up to the ridge to return. There will be three steepish ascents, one steep descent and only one stile.
Saturday 7th – A CIRCUIT OF DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK
N.B.: THIS WALK IS CANCELLED
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 033 781 / BH19 2HU
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
An anti-clockwise circular walk around the edge of Durlston Country Park. Meet at the junction of Bon Accord Road and Durlston Road, at 10:00. There is plenty of free on-street car parking on either road. Approximate route via Townsend Nature Reserve, Belle View Farm and Durlston Castle, but this may change depending on the state of the paths. Stop for break at Durlston Castle.
Wednesday 11th – CHRISTMAS LUNCH PRECEDED BY WALK
Start Time: Walk 10:00; Lunch 12:30
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 013 819 / BH19 3AB
Leader: Jane Hamilton (for the lunch) – 07935 074555; Ian Swanson (for the walk) – 07906 333799
Car Share: If you need a lift, please check with car drivers by Tuesday December 10th
Pre-Lunch Walk starts at 10:00. Lunch at 12:30 for 13:00.
This year’s Christmas lunch will be held at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club (on the B3351 Corfe to Studland Road – SZ 013 819). The lunch will be preceded by a walk starting at the golf club car park to Kingswood Heath, Rempstone, then ascent of Brenscombe Hill, along Ailwood Down and descent of Kingswood Down. No stiles.
If it is raining significantly on the day, the walk will be cancelled.
Please note: Changing rooms are available at the golf club. However, out of respect of the Golf Club, muddy boots should be left in your car.
Saturday 14th – BOVERIDGE HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 085 095 / BH31 7PF
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk. Bring a packed lunch
Meet and park on Coopers Lane, Verwood, opposite the road leading to the school entrance (N.B.: Postcode is for No. 2 Coopers Lane). A walk via Wild Church Bottom, passing Plumley Hill, and returning via Cranborne Common. Woodland trails and open heathland views.
Wednesday 18th – WINSPIT AND BONVILS (MINCE PIE WALK)
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 974 776 / BH19 3LE
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Notes: Non-walkers are welcome to join the walkers at the village hall at approx 12:15
Meet at Worth Matravers car park. Head south to Winspit then west along coastal path. After about 1 mile head inland along new National Trust path past Bonvils. Follow track and road back to Worth Matravers Village Hall to deboot and enjoy drinks and mince pies. There are two sets of ascending steps on this walk.
Saturday 21st – NORTH SWANAGE / ULWELL SHORT CIRCULAR WALK
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 3.7 or 2+ miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 026 799 / BH19 1QW
Leader: Peter and Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095
Meet in Swanage Car Share pick up point (lay-by in Northbrook Road opposite Days Park). Walk into Compass Point, then a circuit of both Upper and Lower SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace), past the brickworks and into Ulwell Caravan Park, up over Round Hill and cross Studland Road, follow Purbeck Way back to Whitecliff Farm, past old Ballard stores into Days Park back to the start. Good views over Swanage. This walk will be led by Peter. Hilary will lead a shorter option to avoid the steep Round Hill and muddier sections. This will stay with the main group to Ulwell campsite and then return via Mill Cottage to Whitecliff Farm and Days Park. N.B.: All walkers are invited back to the leaders’ house nearby for coffee and mince pies/Christmas cake after the walk.
Wednesday 25th – CHRISTMAS BREAK
There is no walk today.
Saturday 28th – CHRISTMAS BREAK
There is no walk today.
Tuesday 31st – STUDLAND, HANDFAST POINT (OLD HARRY) AND BALLARD DOWN
N.B.: This walk has been added since the original programme was published
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 037 825 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Karen Pratley – 01929 792497 / 07773 523060
Bus: 09:25 (No. 50)
Park in National Trust car park by Bankes Arms in Studland (free for NT members). Walk via Handfast Point, Ballard Down, then back via the Glebeland Estate. Gentle climb up from Old Harry to Ballard Down (any uphill will be at a very gentle pace!). Finish at Bankes Arms for an optional New Year’s Eve drink with the leader.
January Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the January 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 – NEW YEAR BREAK
There is no walk today.
Saturday 4th – SWANAGE TO CORFE CASTLE – A NEW YEAR STROLL OVER NINE BARROW DOWN AND ROLLINGTON HILL
Start Time: 09:50
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 029 789 / BH19 1HB
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Meet at Swanage Station for a linear walk through New Swanage (2nd pick up at the former Ballard Stores at 10:10) and along the chalk ridge to Corfe Castle. One challenging climb. Return to Swanage by bus or train (if trains are running) or join the leader for a new year drink/meal in Corfe Castle. At start of walk the leader will await arrival of 09:45 No. 40 bus from Corfe Castle and Wareham.
Wednesday 8th – WORTH MATRAVERS & SEACOMBE CIRCULAR
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 down Priests Way in direction of Langton Matravers. Descend to coastal path and then head west past Seacombe before going inland back to Worth. There are steps up at Seacombe and on return to Worth. Optional drink in The Square & Compass after walk.
Saturday 11th – ROCKLEY PARK
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 977 908 / BH15 4RW
Leader: Jill Carter – 07939 463926
Start at Ham Common car park (free). Drive into Rockley Caravan Park, it is 1st left after the first roundabout. Circular walk via Rockley Park, Ham Common, Lytchet Bay, Holes Bay, Upton Park, Lake pier. Reasonably flat. Lovely views. Some road walking, may be muddy in places.
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)
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 back to the NT car park.
Saturday 18th – WORTH MATRAVERS, ST. ALDHELM’S HEAD, WINSPIT CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 974 777 / BH19 3LE
Leader: Mike and Penny Cleaver – 07778 505168 / 07870 437967
Notes: Leaders happy to offer lift from Langton, 09:40 (contact them if you want a lift)
Burn off those Christmas calories! Meet in the main car park in Worth village. Walking through Hill Bottom and along the coast, via St Aldhelm’s Head and Winspit, before turning back inland to Worth. Several strenuous ascents and descents along the route. Option to stop for a pint and a pasty in The Square & Compass afterwards.
Wednesday 22nd – GREENLANDS FARM TO CORFE CASTLE (LINEAR)
Start Time: 10:25
Distance: 7.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SZ 028 836
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Bus: 10:05 (No. 50)
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Take No. 50 bus from Swanage and alight at Goathorn Farm bus stop (for Greenland Farm track entrance). Walk via Corfe valley to Corfe Castle to get bus back from NT car park. May need to vary route depending on underfoot conditions. A winter ramble, largely on good paths through woods.
Saturday 25th – MOIGNS DOWN CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 756 824 / DT2 8NQ
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Meet and park at the Falcon Barn (far end) of Ringstead Bay National Trust car park (free for National Trust members only), which is at the end of the road on top of the ridge (do NOT turn right down to Ringstead). The postcode is the closest available. A circular walk via Poxwell Manor. Lovely sea and inland views. There are a few hills and stiles.
Wednesday 29th – GODLINGSTON HEATH AND BALLARD DOWN
Start Time: 10:35
Distance: 6.2 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 037 826 / BH19 3AU
Leader: Lyn and Peter Hool – 07720 981404
Bus: 10:05 (No. 50)
Start at National Trust South Beach car park by Bankes Arms in Studland. Through village into Heathgreen Road towards Aggleston Road. Onto Godlingston Heath to Agglestone Rock then to open heathland. Cross road by golf course, down hill and cross busy road to the path up to the Obelisk. Then along Ballard Down to Old Harry Rocks and back down to the NT car park. A few stiles. Steep incline to Agglestone Rock and also to the Obelisk.
February Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the February 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 1st – KINGSTON TO SWANAGE LINEAR
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 955 795 / BH20 5LL
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Bus: 09:00 or 09:09 from Wareham (No. 40)
Meet at Kingston Church (St James). Go to Worth Matravers via track and road for halfway break. (If weather has been dry will go across fields). Follow Priests Way back to Swanage. If anyone is coming from Wareham direction by bus, please let leader know so he waits for bus.
Wednesday 5th – THE HIDDEN AND OBSCURE PATHS OF SWANAGE
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 031 788 / BH19 1DD
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Meet outside Mowlem Theatre at 10:00 for a circular walk on mostly urban paths and cut throughs, many of which are not Rights of Way, though all are regularly used by the public. Many of these paths were not known to the local authorities and arise out of recent surveys to identify such paths and to consider their redesignation as RoWs. If the conditions are OK we may just venture out into open countryside, but most paths are within the built up area and, therefore, urban in nature.
Sunday 9th – WEST LULWORTH TO ARISH MELL CIRCULAR (SUNDAY WALK)
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 8.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 829 806 / BH20 5SB
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Notes: SUNDAY all day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Note this is a SUNDAY walk. Park in Farm Lane or School Lane, and meet in School Lane, West Lulworth. Walk via Bindon Hill, Arish Mell and back round Lulworth Estate – may involve some road walking. This walk is being done on a Sunday as the Lulworth Castle grounds are shut on Saturdays.
WEDNESDAY 12th – BLOXWORTH, WHITEFIELD AND WEST MORDEN – SNOWDROP WALK
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 881 946 / BH20 7EG
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Notes: Donation of £1 per car to Bloxworth Village Hall to be collected for use of car park
Park in Bloxworth Village Hall car park on right before church. Walk via Woodlake, East Bloxworth, to Whitefield. Return via West Morden and Morden Lane. Gentle walk (a/d 350ft) over pasture and woodland. Several stiles. Hope to see lots of snowdrops.
Saturday 15th – KINGSTON, KIMMERIDGE QUARRY AND CORFE CASTLE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:45
Distance: 9 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 953 794 / BH20 5LL
Leader: Mike and Penny Cleaver – 07778 505168 / 07870 437967
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Meet in the Houns Tout car park in Kingston. N.B.: Postcode is near pub, but car park is approx 200 yds beyond the church. A circular walk to Swyre Head and along the ridge above Smedmore, before dropping downhill and inland to Corfe Castle. Then a gentle ascent through Corfe Common and back up to Kingston. Option to catch the bus back from Corfe, for those who prefer a shorter walk.
Wednesday 19th – BRADLE FARM CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 953 794 / BH20 5LL
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Meet and park at Houns Tout car park in Kingston (just past the church). A walk via Swyre Head, Kimmeridge, Church Knowle and returning to Kingston.
Saturday 22nd – BRANKSOME CHINE, COY POND, BOURNE STREAM, SEAFRONT
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 6.2 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 065 896 / BH13 6LP
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Notes: 09:25 (No. 50)
Meet and start from car park at base of Branksome Chine. No 50 bus from Swanage at 09:25 or from Bournemouth Square at 09:46, or £3.60 to park. Walk up Branksome Chine, then roads to Coy Pond past viaducts, then down Bourne stream / Bournemouth Gardens to seafront, and back along promenade to start point. Easy walk, no steep hills. Return buses at 14:02 or 15:02 to Swanage, or at 13:44 or 14:44 to Bournemouth.
Wednesday 26th – WAREHAM FOREST SIKA TRAIL WALK
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 906 893 / BH20 7PE
Leader: Clive and Rosemary Hargrave – 01929 550399 / 07791 776338
Notes: Postcode is about ½km further towards Bere Regis
Meet at Sika Trail car park (Bere Road) for a level circular walk around Wareham Forest and Morden Bog. Maybe some muddy patches.