Canford Heath Nature Reserve

Kai Chandler

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This is a delightful two-hour stroll around Canford Heath Nature Reserve in Dorset, along valleys, across open heathland and up to a ridge with magnificent sea views over Poole to the Purbecks.

This is a circular walk with gentle inclines, although one descent is quite steep. Watch out for tree-roots sticking out of the ground. It can be muddy at times.

Although not a long walk, it'll take you through a mixture of terrains alternating open heathland with forest tracks. Mostly on footpaths and bridle-paths, there are some paths not marked on the OS map. Although there are few physical challenges to the walk, with only gentle inclines and no stiles, some of the paths can be confusing so it's recommended that you take a compass to ensure you can easily check the bearing of paths and compare with the route directions.

England - South West England - Dorset - Countryside

Features

Birds, Good for Kids, Great Views, Wildlife, Woodland

1/8/2012 - Paul and Tracy Dawson

Really nice walk with plenty of views. As previously mentioned, lots of paths, so difficult to follow route in places. Missed one path and got lost, and I've lived on Canford Heath for 46 years!! :-)

5/7/2011 - Kai Chandler

Route instructions updated May 2011.

7/31/2010 - Lyn Lovell

This a lovely walk over unspolit heath land. Slight problem following instructions, but this is caused not by directions but by the huge number of marker posts dotted around. Most aren't mentioned in the walk and show distances to locations not mentioned.

12/5/2009 - Kaye Faiers

6.11.2009 My first walk alone(apart from dogs of course) I really enjoyed the walk until the last long leg across the top of the heath which was spoilt by pipe laying in progress. A chance to explore the wooded part of the heath which was very pleasant. Slight problem locating track back to lay-by and vehicle despite the repeated reminders to mark the waypoints!