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Main Instructor:

Chris Pole

Hosted By:

Chris Pole

Walk Description:

Roadside parking at the end of Francis Ave after passing the Water treatment plant. This is a seven mile

walk across one of the largest heathlands in Dorset.

There are stunning views across Poole to the Purbeck hills. There is a feeling of wildness to this

place.

The walk starts flat and descends to the bottom of the heath then climbs up again before coming

round to woodland and a switch back of paths back to the cars. 

A lot of the paths are wide gravel tracks. It can be wet depending on the time of year.

Historically the heath was part of the Canford Estate mentioned in the Domesday book.

In 1810 it was subdivided among Poole's proprietors in response to the 1805 Enclosure Act.

In the second world war the heath was used as a munitions storage.

In 1938 most of the heath burned in a series of large fires.

The application for an SSSI was accepted in 1988 after building houses started in 1984.

The heath is home to many rare reptiles.

Nearest toilets are at the end of the road, at the back of a small industrial estate inside The Den. This is

a vintage/retro/antique emporium and well worth a browse. The toilets are on the ground floor and the

cafe is upstairs. They serve freshly cooked snacks, hot drinks and cakes.

[As lots of dog walkers park in the road feel free to spread out into Autumn road opposite.]

Location Notes:

Park on the roadside, just before the golf club.