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Walking in the Isle of Purbeck
The
Isle of Purbeck holds numerous delights for the walker. The area is
bounded to the north by the huge expanse of Poole Harbour which penetrates
deep inland, almost to Wareham. To the south lies a spectacular coastline
of international fame designated a World Heritage Site. This gives the
impression, looking at a map, that Purbeck is almost a peninsular. It
is certainly a very special place in terms of its flora, fauna, geology
and natural history. Purbeck's Biodiversity Action Plan has identified
over 30 habitats and 200 species of conservation interest, making the
district one of the richest in England. About 24% of Purbeck is protected
for its wildlife value or geological interest. There is nevertheless
an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways enabling walkers to
enjoy and appreciate this precious environment.
Today,
tourism is an important part of the district's economy. Arable farming
is also very important in many areas including the St. Aldheims's headland
and around Bere Regis. Grazing is essential to the maintenance of certain
habitats and Exmoor ponies and Red Devon cattle can be seen on Hartland
Moor. Quarrying for the highly regarded Purbeck marble, used since Roman
times as a decorative stone, is still carried out in the vicinity of
Langton Matravers, Acton and Kingston. This small 'island' is packed
with natural and historic interest, renowned for its beauty and, in
particular, its fascinating geology and diverse wildlife habitats. With
a splendid network of footpaths it makes an enjoyable walking location
at any time of the year.
Wareham - The small market town of Wareham
is situated between the River Frome and the River Piddle, just before
their outlets into Poole harbour. The town has a Saxon origin and earth
ramparts from this time still surround the town. Paths on these 'walls'
give good views of the rivers and surrounding landscape and link into
the 'Bowling Green' open space adjacent to the River Piddle. The town
seen today, however, is mainly Georgian, the main street having been
laid out in a spacious style.
Corfe Castle - The village, despite its
proximity to the main A351 Purbeck artery, retains an appeal. Its attractive
cottages with their stone roofs huddle beneath the imposing gaunt ruin
of Corfe Castle. There is something dramatic about the aspect of the
Castle that is never forgotten. During the Civil War it was a Royalist
stronghold, and was besieged for three years. In 1646, under orders
from Oliver Cromwell, the Roundheads destroyed the castle by a combination
of undermining and gunpowder. Much of the stone was later removed for
new buildings.
Swanage - An exhilarating downland walk
from Corfe Castle takes you to Swanage, from where you can return by
bus or, lots more fun, on the Swanage Steam Railway which runs between
the two towns in summer. This route crosses Allwood Down, Nine Barrow
Down and Ballard Down. Near Ulwell the route passes through the National
Trust's Godlington Hill Estate, from where there are splendid views
of Swanage. The distance of this walk is about 7.5 miles
The
Purbeck Way - Along its 24 mile length, the Purbeck Way passes
through some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in Britain.
The route starts at Wareham and, after leaving the River Frome and in
water meadows, continues through heathland, woodland and downland before
arriving at the dramatic coastal scenery near Studland and the Old Harry
Rocks. From here the route follows the Dorset Coast Path east to Chapman's
Pool visiting Swanage and St Aldhelm's Head. From Chapman's Pool the
path heads inland up a steep sided valley and passes near Kingston before
the finish at Corfe Castle. The geology of the area is outstanding.
The route from Wareham to Chapman's Pool includes eight major rock types,
each shaping the landscape in a different way, in turn providing a rich
variety of habitats with their own characteristic wildlife.
The
Purbeck Way West - This route explores west of Wareham, passing
through the villages of East Stoke and Coombe Keynes to arrive at picturesque
Winfrith Newburgh. There is a decision to take at Coombe Keynes, for
from here there is an alternative route south to the coastal village
of West Lulworth, which then heads North West to the finish at Winfrith
Newburgh. This additional loop can be walked as a circular route. The
variety of landscapes along this route is reflected in the abundant
wildlife which can be seen throughout the year. Sika and roe deer are
a frequent sight and the meadows, woodlands, chalk downs and sea cliffs
are home to many species of bird, insect and flower. Whichever season
you walk the Purbeck Way, there is always something to see.
Wareham
Forest Way is a waymarked footpath through some of the less well
known landscapes in the north Purbeck area. It is just over 12 miles
long and, heading north, follows footpaths and minor roads between Wareham
and Sturminster Marshall. From Wareham the path crosses the water meadows
of the River Piddle valley before entering the conifer plantations and
heathy areas of Wareham Forest. North of the A35 the path passes through
gently rolling countryside with a patchwork of small fields and woodlands.
The village of East Morden provides a useful lunch stop, the Cock and
Bottle pub being just a short detour from the route. At Sturminster
Marshall the path links into the Stour Valley Way, which leads upstream
towards Blandford and downstream to Christchurch Harbour.
Wareham
Two Rivers Walks - The Rivers Frome and Piddle flow into Poole
Harbour just east of Wareham where the alluvial sands, gravels and peaty
soils create a flat, open landscape that is naturally wet. The richness
and variety of life make this area very special. This guide describes
6 short routes exploring the river banks and meadows of the areas between
Wareham and Poole Harbour. From Swineham Point, between the river mouths,
the extensive salt marshes, reedbeds and mudflats of Poole Harbour stretch
out before the eye. Thousands of birds can be seen including shelduck
and brent geese, wigeon, pintail, curlew, redshank and dunlin. On a
path exploring the Lower Piddle and Wareham Common you pass herb-rich
meadows and fen habitats. In summer the riversides are alive with the
banded demoiselle damselfly.
OS Maps: Explorer OL15
A Walk from Church Knowle [SY
938818]
A high ridge of chalk downland runs along the spine of the Isle of Purbeck
providing splendid views which can be enjoyed on this walk. From Church
Knowle, an attractive village built of dove-grey Purbeck stone, the
walk makes a gradual and fairly easy ascent to the top of the ridge
and follows the crest, Knowle Hill, for about a mile. In addition to
the views, this chalk downland is famous for its wild flowers and butterflies.
The walk returns to the village along the foot of the hill. About 2
miles. It is easy to extend this walk to visit Corfe Castle and return
via Corfe Common.
Best Pub for this walk
New Inn, Church Knowle Tel: 01929 480357 (Good Pub Guide)
A delightful 16th century stone and thatch inn with panoramic views
over the Purbeck Hills. Excellent bar food and restaurant
This walk is fully described in the guidebook 'Pub Strolls in Dorset'
by Anne-Marie Edwards
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