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Hosted By:

Chris Pole

Walk Description:

 This is a walk with far reaching views towards Poole and across to the Purbeck hills.

There is a feeling of wildness to this place. One of the largest heathlands in Dorset.

The walk starts flat then descends down wide gravel paths before entering woodland and a

gradual climb back through the golf course to the end of the walk.

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 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 rare reptiles.

Parking is at Francis Ave after passing the water treatment plant.

As lots of dog walkers park here feel free to spread out to Autumn road and into the estate

opposite. Nearest toilets are at the begining of the road in "The Den" a vintage/retro

emporium. This is at the back of a small industrial estate.

The toilets are on the ground floor and upstairs is a cafe serving freshly cooked snacks, hot

drinks and cakes. The Den is well worth a look. The carpark is full of pot holes but has extra space

behind the building which is not terribly obvious.

This walk is 3 miles long and can be taken at a sociable pace. Please dress for the expected conditions

on the day.

As we cross the golf course at one point we need to wait for the golfers to see us and let us cross over.

Location Notes:

Park on the roadside, just before the golf club.