Frome Valley Walkies

Circular routes in and around the vale

This series of walk information has been produced to help one of the UK’s rarest habitats; lowland heath. Once covering large swathes of the county, 80% of Dorset’s heaths have now been lost and the remaining fragments are still under threat. Without realising it, the very people who enjoy strolling across the heath could be putting the wildlife at risk. Rare ground nesting birds such as nightjars are very vulnerable to disturbance and can even abandon their chicks if they are scared off by people or dogs.

You can help your local heathlands by reducing the unintended pressure from visitors and choosing some these walks instead, especially during the bird nesting season (Feb – Aug). They have all been picked for their circular nature, with dog walkers in mind and the leaflets in this guide give you lots of information about each route do you can choose the best one for you.

Frome Valley Walkies

Circular routes in and around the vale.

Doggy Do Code and KEY

Bog Lane Natural Greenspace

Bog Lane is a brand new greenspace on the outskirts of Wareham. There are a selection of routes to choose from, winding through a variety of habitats.

Burngate

Burngate is a hilltop walk notable not only for its panoramic view of the Jurassic Coast but also inland over Frome Valley.

Cole Wood

A pleasant mixture of gently undulating farmland and pine woodland starting from the edge of the village of Wool.

Daggers Gate

This walk offers spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast to Portland while avoiding the crowds of nearby Durdle Door.

Please note parking is no longer available at the side of the road

Fossil Farm

Following the Winfrith Newburgh Village Trail, this walk takes you alongside a babbling brook and down a blackberry-lined ancient droveway.

Moreton Forest

Following part of the Jubilee Trail, this walk is particularly noted for its riverside wildlife. Keep an eye out for kingfishers and brown trout at the picturesque ford.

Mount Skippet

A surprising combination of peaceful country lanes and mixed farmland just a stone’s throw from the village of Crossways.

Southover Farm

Hedgerows and their wildlife are a particular feature of this easy to follow route which lies close to Tolpuddle.

Stafford Farm

Crossing a patchwork of fields bordering West Knighton.

Thorncombe Wood

This nature reserve offers a variety of routes through mature broad-leafed woodland. Thorncombe benefits from easy parking, a dog friendly cafe and bluebells in spring.

Wareham Forest

A well-surfaced route through mature pine forest with stunning views over Morden Bog National Nature Reserve.

Woodsford Castle

The majestic 14th century, thatched Woodsford Castle provides a spectacular backdrop to much of this riverside walk.