Walks Programme
Thank you to all the walk leaders who have submitted walks for this Spring 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 (Summer/Autumn 2025 – July to October), 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 Spring.
Brian Arnold – Walks Programme
Scroll Down to View Walks
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.
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 – UPTON COUNTRY PARK
N.B.: The walk published in the original programme has been cancelled because of flooding. The walk leader has offered this walk as an alternative. The meeting point location has changed
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 4 miles
Location: Postcode: BH17 7BJ
Leader: Jill Carter – 07939 463926
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Notes: The leader will wait for passengers on the No. 40 bus (due at Upton Park at 10.05). It will take approx. 5 mins to walk up to the visitors centre
Meet at Upton Country Park Visitors Centre at 10:00. Parking charges apply. Up to 4 hours is £6.00. Alternatively, there is free parking at Woodpecker Drive nearby. Park at the top of Woodpecker Drive near Longmeadow Lane (about a 10 minute walk to the visitor centre). Postcode for Woodpecker Drive is BH17 7SB.
Dogs welcome. Bring your binoculars if you wish. There will be an option to go to the cafe after the walk.
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. Walking poles/sticks recommended, and please bring suitable footwear for potentially muddy conditions. 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 025 843
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Bus: 10:05 (No. 50) If you are driving into Swanage to catch the bus, you can park close by in Cranborne Road or Ilminster Road as the bay restrictions only apply in summer
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. Three low stiles. Waterproof boots essential, and sticks recommended. 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. Waterproof boots and poles are advised.
Wednesday 29th – GODLINGSTON HEATH AND BALLARD DOWN
N.B.: THIS WALK IS CANCELLED
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. A few stiles. Walking poles and good footwear recommended.
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.
March Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the March 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.
Saturday 1st – BRIANTSPUDDLE TO SHITTERTON
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 818 932 / DT2 7HT
Leader: Nick and Celia Arnold – 07950 847450
Park and meet in Briantspuddle in the road by the village hall (not in the village hall car park). Walk to Shitterton via Turners Puddle and back via Throop. Some hills, probably some mud, no stiles, but most of the paths are good.
Wednesday 5th – BALLARD DOWN – OLD HARRY CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: 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.
Saturday 8th – SOUTHOVER HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 804 924
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Meet at car park junction of B3390 and Yearlings Drove (this is 1km west of Cul-Peppers Dish). A walk via Affpuddle, Athelhampton, Snares Wood and back to car park. Terrain is level with open fields and woodland.
Wednesday 12th – GODLINGSTON HEATH AND BALLARD DOWN CIRCULAR
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 2 stiles and 2 ‘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 15th – THERE IS NO WALK FOR TODAY
Please contact Brian Arnold if you would like to lead a walk on this date.
Wednesday 19th – CORFE CASTLE WOODLAND LOOP
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.75 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Julie and Dave Rollinson – 07935 226533
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet and park at Corfe Castle National Trust car park. Fairly easy walk with one short climb. Some stiles, and no doubt some mud. Mostly in woodland, passing a ruined mill, ball clay pits and Scotland Farm. All very pleasant.
Thursday 20th – VISIT TO PURBECK ICE CREAM
Start Time: 14:30
Leader: Jane Hamilton – 07935 074555
Pre booking is required for this event. Please refer to the email sent in February.
Saturday 22nd – WORBARROW BAY AND TYNEHAM
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 5.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 888 812
Leader: Peter and Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095
Car Share: 09:15 (leader will be there)
Start Whiteways viewpoint car park on Povington Hill. Walk along the ridge to Flowers Barrow Fort. Very steep descent to Worbarrow Bay. (Possible extension up to Gad Cliff makes this 6.3 miles). Inland to Tyneham. Toilets available. Past Tyneham church for long ascent back up to the ridge. Walking stick essential for steep descent which can be very muddy and slippery after rain. Views of Tyneham and Lulworth from top of ridge.
Wednesday 26th – BLOXWORTH TO EAST MORDEN
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 881 946 / BH20 7EG
Leader: Bryan Stubbs – 01202 280427 / 07710 016849
Notes: Longish walk; picnic lunch recommended
Park at Bloxworth Village Hall. Please bring at least £1 for the honesty box.
A longish walk, crossing the A35 twice with some gentle hills and stiles. Picnic lunch recommended.
Saturday 29th – 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: From Wareham direction (No. 40)
Meet at Swanage Railway Station for a linear walk along the Purbeck valley, criss-crossing the railway. Walk via Herston campsite, Windmill Knapp, New Barn, Wilkswood Farm, Haycrafts Farm, Woodyhyde campsite and Sandyhills Copse. Return to Swanage by bus or train or join the leader for refreshments in Corfe Castle. (Walkers coming from the Wareham direction may wish to park in Corfe Castle National Trust car park and catch the 09:20 No.40 bus to Swanage for the start of the walk. The leader will await the arrival of the bus.)
April Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the April 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 2nd – CIRCULAR WALK FROM BOWLEAZE COVE VIA WHITE HORSE HILL
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 701 819 / DT3 6PL
Leader: Anton Hack – 07800 784697
Park on road to meet by entrance to Waterside Holiday Park at Bowleaze Cove. 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 5th – CORFE CASTLE & EAST CREECH CIRCULAR (PRIMROSE WALK)
Start Time: 09:40
Distance: 6 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet at Corfe Castle National Trust car park. Head via Knowle Hill and Ridgeway Hill towards Stonehill Down. Return via East Creech and Purbeck Way. Great views across heathland to coast. Fairly steep climb at start and fairly deep mud to be expected on Purbeck Way. Hope to encounter lots of primroses (hopefully in bloom!!) on return to Corfe Castle.
Wednesday 9th – BERE REGIS TO TURNERS PUDDLE AND BRIANTSPUDDLE
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 846 947 / BH20 7LY
Leader: Karen Pratley – 01929 792497 / 07773 523060
Park and start walk in Elder Road (by grassy area), Bere Regis – alternative parking in Manor Farm Road or in car park by church in Turberville Road (can be full). Walk up and over Black Hill. A gentle climb through woods to open views. Arrive at Turners Puddle and view outside of old disused church before crossing 2 pretty fords to Briantspuddle then ascend to open fields and slightly more climbing with open views back into Shitterton and returning to Elder Road. Parts of this walk will be muddy if there has been recent heavy rain.
Saturday 12th – CHURCH KNOWLE, CORFE CASTLE, NORDEN FARM AND EAST CREECH
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 940 817 / BH20 5NG
Leader: Chris Boon – 07836 238482
Notes: Leader will collect £1 per car towards village hall running costs
Park and meet at Church Knowle Village Hall car park. Circular anticlockwise walk via Corfe Castle and Norden Farm. Take the valley path east passing Bucknowle House on route to Corfe (toilet stop). Then to Norden Farm and on to East Creech. Short section of road walking, one fairly steep climb up Knowle Hill and back down to Church Knowle. Some stiles. Mud likely if it’s been wet!.
Wednesday 16th – HOLT HEATH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 048 036 / BH21 7DB
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Meet and start at White Sheet Car Park. This is approximately 3.75 miles north-east of Wimborne. N.B.: Postcode is for White Sheet Farm which is within 100m of the car park. A route through open heathland and woodland. The route is fairly level with a couple of short easy inclines.
Saturday 19th – THERE IS NO WALK FOR TODAY (EASTER WEEKEND)
Please contact Brian Arnold if you would like to lead a walk on this date.
Wednesday 23rd – HERSTON TO DURLSTON
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 016 789 / BH19 2NW
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: From Wareham direction (No. 40)
Meet outside 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. Might be muddy and slippery in parts. Stop at Durlston Castle halfway for coffee break in cafe, or bring your own snack.
Saturday 26th – SYMONDSBURY, COLMER’S HILL, GOLDEN CAP AND HELL LANE
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 9 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 445 937 / DT6 6HG
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Park at the free Symondsbury Estate car park in Mill Lane, Symondsbury. Toilets at start of walk. Four long and/or steep hills; several stiles. Walk via Colmer’s Hill, North Chideock, Hardown Hill (lots of bluebells), St Gabriel’s Wood, coast path over Golden Cap to Seatown. Return via Chideock and the spectacular Hell Lane. Long day, allow 6 to 7 hours for the walk. Additional details and directions will be emailed before the walk.
Tuesday 29th – SWWG AGM AT THE MOWLEM, SWANAGE
Start Time: 18:30 for 19:00
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Notice of the meeting and the agenda will be sent by email to all members.
Wednesday 30th – ALMER TO WINTERBORNE ZELSTON
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 907 977 / DT11 9EW
Leader: Karen Pratley – 01929 792497 / 07773 523060
Meet and park at The World’s End pub car park. A lovely gentle undulating walk around the mid-Dorset countryside. Open field views and a ramble through the delightful village of Winterborne Zelston. Option of a drink or lunch at The World’s End after the walk. A large table will be reserved for walkers who want to stay for coffee/lunch.
May Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the May 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 3rd – SWANAGE TO DURLSTON CIRCULAR, TEA/CAKE AT DURLSTON
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 031 788 / BH19 1DD
Leader: Robin Brasher – 01929 427015 / 07767 693769
Meet outside Mowlem Theatre for walk on roads and fields via the Glade to Durlston Castle for coffee break. Back along the Isle of Wight Road, downs and sea front. Gentle pace. Toilets at Learning Centre and Castle.
Wednesday 7th – SHAPWICK AND WHITE MILL, RIVER STOUR
Start Time: 10:05
Distance: 6.23 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 936 016 / DT11 9LA
Leader: Peter and Hilary Parascandolo – 01929 427174 / 07801 802095
Car Share: 09:00 (leader will be there)
Notes: No dogs on this walk
Meet in Shapwick Church Car Park. Follow along River Stour Valley Way to White Mill. Return via edge of Kingston Lacy Estate, Sweetbriar Drove and Park Lane. A relatively flat walk with good views. Parts can be muddy after rain. Several low squeeze-through stiles. Stour Valley Way path adjacent to river is a No Dogs permissive path (maybe because of the swans). Members are welcome to join the leaders for lunch in The Anchor Inn, Shapwick, after the walk. Food served till 14:30.
Saturday 10th – WEST LULWORTH CIRCULAR
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 822 807 / BH20 5RY
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch (option to return to your car at the 3.5-mile point (Lulworth Cove), for a shorter walk
Park and start opposite Holy Trinity Church, West Lulworth. A route following the high ridge, passed Daggers Gate, Durdle Door, Bindon Hill, Mupe Bay, Fossil Forest, returning up Bindon Hill and back to Holy Trinity Church. Walking boots and poles recommended. A couple of challenging hills. Option to return to your car at the 3.5 mile point (Lulworth Cove), for a shorter walk.
Wednesday 14th – ACTON, QUARR FARM, LANGTON CIRCULAR SHORT WALK
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 3 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 988 786 / BH19 3JN
Leader: Steve Williams – 07766 375151
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40)
Meet at Acton Lane Car Park just off the B3069 at the top end of Langton Matravers. A short, pleasant circular walk to Quarr Farm, out via Primrose Hill, returning via top end of Langton Matravers.
Saturday 17th – WEST BAY TO BURTON BRADSTOCK CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 9 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 464 903 / DT6 4EW
Leader: Mike and Penny Cleaver – 07870 437967 / 07778 505168
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch (Leaders happy to car share from Langton Matravers or pick up en route)
The continuation of our Dorset Coast Path walk. Meet in West Bay Road Car Park (final details including car park cost TBC after recce). Hilly walk along the coast to Burton Bradstock before making our way inland to Shipton Gorge and back to West Bay via Bothenhampton. Several steep ascents and descents along the way, but beautiful views throughout.
Wednesday 21st – KINGSTON TO CORFE CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:35
Distance: 4.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 953 794
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Bus: 10:00 (No. 40). If anyone wishes to come by bus from the Wareham direction, please let the leader know so he waits for the bus
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Meet at Houns Tout Car Park, Kingston. Head to Corfe via Blashenwell Farm. Return via Corfe Common and Purbeck Way. No steep ascents or descents, 4 stiles and some muddy patches very likely on Purbeck Way. Great views over Corfe Castle on this walk. Optional drink in Scott’s Arms following walk.
Saturday 24th – KIMMERIDGE AND CHURCH KNOWLE
Start Time: 09:30
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location Grid Ref: SY 918 800
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Meet at Kimmeridge Quarry Car Park. Head via Whiteway Farm and Cockknowle to Church Knowle. Return past Animal Sanctuary, Puddle Mill Farm, Newfoundland, Heavens Gate and Smedmore Hill. Great views on this walk. Possible muddy and slippery stretch on approach to Whiteway Farm. Numerous stiles (more than 20).
Wednesday 28th – ULWELL, REMPSTONE, NINE BARROW DOWN
Start Time: 10:10
Distance: 7.4-ish miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 021 809 BH19 3DG
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Car Share: 09:55 (leader will be there)
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. Along and over golf course and heath to Rempstone. Then up Brenscombe Hill and along past the Barrows. Lovely views of Poole Harbour, Studland and Swanage.
Saturday 31st – HORTON INN TO HINTON MARTELL AND CHALBURY
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 017 086 / BH21 5AD
Leader: Simon Nightingale – 07811 169702
Meet and park at The Horton Inn, Horton, between Wimborne and Cranborne. Fairly flat and easy going for most of the way, over farmland, country lanes and The Crichel Park Estate, with view of house and lake. Passing through Witchampton Board Mills and villages of Hinton Martell and Chalbury. Circular walk returning to The Horton Inn, with option of drink/meal after the walk.
June Walks
View, print or download a PDF copy of the June 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.
Monday 2nd – RENSCOMBE TO ST ALDHELM’S HEAD (EVENING WALK)
Start Time: 17:30
Distance: 3.75 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 964 774 / BH19 3LL
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Notes: Evening walk
Park and meet at the free car park by Renscombe Farm. (Drive through Worth Matravers, and continue 0.8 mile beyond the duck pond). Level walk out to St Aldhelm’s Head along the easy wide track. Then easy descent to the wide ledge below the radar memorial for a short break before returning via the same route. Join me at the Square and Compass pub after the walk.
Wednesday 4th – MARTIN DOWN, PENTRIDGE
Start Time: 10:30
Distance: 8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SU 036 200 / SP5 5RH
Leader: Brian Arnold – 07740 980056
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Meet at the free car park on south side of A354 Blandford-Salisbury road, 2.75 miles NE of roundabout with B3081. Note grid ref is 0.75 mile before the car park. A walk around this homeland of the ancient Brits. Walk via Martin Down National Nature Reserve, Bokerley Ditch, Pentridge, Penbury Knoll and Grim’s Ditch. Open country, glorious views, some long steady uphill bits. Please share cars.
Saturday 7th – 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 (Leaders happy to car share from Langton Matravers or pick up en route (leaders will be staying for pub lunch after the walk though).
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 & downs, with lovely downland views. Option to have lunch at the pub afterwards (will need to confirm numbers beforehand.
WEDNESDAY 11th – SOUP AND SCONES – AND SHORT WALK: BALLARD DOWN /SWANAGE
Start Time: 10:15
Distance: 4 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 029 802 / BH19 1NE
Leader: Julie and Dave Rollinson – 07935 226533
Notes: Please let the leaders know by June 8th (by text message) if you would like to stay for soup ans scones
Meet and park by Ballard Stores (now closed). Walk to Whitecliff Farm, taking the lower path along Ballard Down, skirting Godlingston Hill to Godlingston Manor, crossing to the allotments and back through Days Park to Moor Road for soup and scones if wanted. Some stiles; two ascents – not scary; lovely views of Swanage Bay.
Thursday 12th – 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
Notes: Evening walk
Meet outside Mowlem Theatre 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 and/or food afterwards at the Red Lion in Swanage.
Saturday 14th – MORETON AND AFFPUDDLE HEATH
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 5.75 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 814 924 / DT2 7HZ
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Notes: Car park is approx. 400m west of postcode
Meet at Cul-peppers Dish Car Park. Take Jubilee Trail to Moreton returning via Two Gates Farm and Affpuddle Heath. Walk on woodland, heath and riverside tracks with a small amount of road walking. Very little ascent or descent.
Wednesday 18th – KNOLL HOUSE HOTEL TO CORFE VIA AGGLESTONE AND BURNBAKE (LINEAR WALK)
Start Time: 10:05
Distance: 8-ish miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SZ 031 832 / BH19 3AH
Leader: Ian Swanson – 07906 333799
Bus: 09:45? (No. 50)
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Start from the bus stop outside Knoll House Hotel. Walking up to the Agglestone and over Newton and Wytch Heaths (via Burnbake). Then Scotland Farm to Corfe, ending at the Visitor Centre for a bus back to Swanage. Fairly easy walk with views over Poole Harbour. Four stiles.
Thursday 19th – VISIT TO ENCOMBE ESTATE
Start Time: Morning
Leader: Jane Hamilton – 07935 074555
Penny Cleaver has kindly been liaising with the head gardener at Encombe House in Kingston for a private tour of the owners’ gardens. This is a really special treat. More information to follow in due course.
Saturday 21st – WAREHAM CIRCULAR
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 7 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 923 871 / BH20 4LP
Leader: Kevin & Jean Harradine – 07748 338294
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Meet on opposite side of river to Wareham Quay. This is a pleasant flat walk (total ascent 235 ft) along the River Frome and encompassing part of the Poole Harbour Trail and The Hardy Way, returning via Stoborough Heath. Coffee stop half way. Finish at the pub and option to stay for a drink and/or lunch.
Wednesday 25th – CERNE ABBAS AND MINTERNE MAGNA
Start Time: 10:00
Distance: 6.8 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: ST 663 014 / DT2 7GY
Leader: Bryan Stubbs – 01202 280427 / 07710 016849
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Start in Cerne Abbas at Kettle Bridge picnic area free car park (follow sign from A352). A hilly walk via Giant’s Hill, Little Minterne Hill and Dogbury Hill to Minterne Magna. Return via East Hill and Up Cerne.
Thursday 26th – CORFE CIRCULAR EVENING WALK WITH OPTION TO VISIT THE FOX
Start Time: 18:40
Distance: 2.75 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Rob Lobley – 01929 439903 / 07766 630453
Bus: 18:10 (No. 40)
Notes: Evening walk
Meet at National Trust Car Park in Corfe. Head off in direction of Norden then climb (short steep) on to the ridge. Follow ridge in direction of Creech before descending from ridge and crossing fields towards the doctor’s surgery. Short stretch of road walking on this walk. Leader is heading to the Fox Inn in Corfe after the walk and all participants are invited to join.
Saturday 28th – CORFE CASTLE TO WEST LULWORTH
Start Time: 09:40
Distance: 10 miles
Location Grid Ref/Postcode: SY 959 824 / BH20 5DR
Leader: Sean McLean – 07305 999082
Bus: 09:00 (No. 40)
Notes: All day walk; bring a picnic lunch
Meet and park at Corfe Castle National Trust car park. A ridge walk with a couple of steep hills, via West Hill, Povington Hill, Arish Mell, Bindon Hill and on to West Lulworth car park. Return by Bus No. 30 to Corfe Castle.