Isle of Purbeck - Wareham, Swanage and Poole

Map: OS Explorer™ OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset

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 and Wool. 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 facinating 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.

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 watermeadows 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. This guide can be purchased as part of the Isle of Purbeck walking pack. [Click for details or to purchase]

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 saltmarshes, 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. This guide can be purchased as part of the Isle of Purbeck walking pack. [Click for details or to purchase]

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. This guide can be purchased as part of the Isle of Purbeck walking pack. [Click for details or to purchase]

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 descision 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. This guide can be purchased as part of the Isle of Purbeck walking pack. [Click for details or to purchase]

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 beseiged 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. This route is fully described in the guide '100 Walks in Dorset'

Acknowledgement: Some of the text on this page has been adapted from Purbeck District Council publications, for which we are very grateful.