Wareham River Walk

Ron and Jenny Glynn

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A truly wonderful little walk incorporating natural beauty and historical interest. The amazing spectacle of a Tudor bowling-green, thought to be the only one in the country, is viewed from above on the first part of the walk. Best Wall Park Conservation Area is delightful to walk through, followed by wetland meadows. Good foot protection is advised as it can be very muddy here, especially after rain. Wareham Channel comes into view through the reeds that grow thickly on the approach to the footpath alongside the River Frome. The picturesque scenes of moored yachts on the river with the backdrop of Dorset hills is constant for a considerable stretch before the tower of Wareham Church comes into view and the last leg leads back to the town centre.

England - South West England - Dorset - Purbecks

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Museum, Pub, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

7/14/2012 - Kai Chandler

I revisited this walk in July 2012 but found it a bit more overgrown than before and at times hard work to complete. I think this may be due to the time of year and recent heavy rain promoting growth of the grasses which at times reached waist height. The views and birdlife made it worth it and we finished the walk with a visit to not one but two of the pubs in Wareham! I wished I'd worn long trousers rather than shorts though. To answer a previous comment, there were plenty of places to park on the roads off Mt Pleasant so that was not really an issue.

11/9/2011 - Jeannette Rouse

This could be a very nice walk but we made the mistake of doing it after quite a lot of rain. It is very muddy for most of the walk. Next to the water it can become almost impassable it is so boggy and a slip could take you into the water. It would have been useful to have been given parking information and then instructions from the car park. e parked in Bonnets Lane. You can park anywhere in Wareham but it may add slightly to the walk.

9/6/2011 - Pat Chipping

Almost all off road making it very dog-friendly. Unfortunately on a high spring tide the path on the return leg was flooded in a number of places, so be prepared for wet feet or only walk at low tide! Nevertheless it's a lovely walk .

7/10/2011 - Kai Chandler

A delightful walk that starts on the outskirts of Wareham, takes you through wonderful Bestwall Park woodland and river scenery (RSBP/SSI status) and finishes with a stroll through the fascinating town centre with a fine choice of pubs, cafes and restaurants even on a Sunday lunchtime. I must have missed a turning about half an hour into the walk, but it wasn't difficult to find the route again. It might be muddy and slippery in places after rain so take care. Highly recommended.

7/11/2009 - John Holden

I'm afraid this walk was spoilt for me by the head high, and taller, reeds which obscured much of the view. On a breezy day I also found I was being lashed in the face by them too. Worst of all the path appears to be perilously close to dropping you into deeper riverside reed beds at several points.

11/27/2008 - Walkingworld Administrator

Walk amended in November 2008 thanks to Ron & Jenny Glynn.