Wareham-Corfe Circular
21 people attending
4 places left
On this walk of moderate exertion and distance but maximum interest and beauty, two characteristic Dorset landscapes: chalk downland and sandy heath, meet two historic Dorset settlements: Corfe Castle and Wareham.
Regarding the landscapes, the chalk forms the formidable spine of the Purbeck Hills which crosses the Isle only breaking at Corfe Castle, and although the ascent up West Hill and Knowle Hill is a little demanding, the views will be well worthwhile. For complete contrast, the heaths at Middlebere and Stoborough are low-lying and clad in heather, gorse, pine and birch. There is also the broad floodplain of the River Frome to cross as it winds its way to Poole Harbour.
Regarding the settlements, Wareham is a Saxon town built behind a defensive wall to a grid-iron plan with two medieval churches and many Georgian and Victorian buildings. The Quay, by the River Frome, is famously picturesque and the starting point for the walk although the railway station is less than a mile away. The twelfth-century castle at Corfe Castle, razed in the Civil War, occupies an extraordinary natural position: on a hillock in a cleft in the Purbeck Hills. The village itself is built solely of lovely creamy-grey Purbeck limestone.
The route begins by the River Frome at the Quay Car Park in Wareham and from there proceeds southeast over the bridge and along the river along the Hardy Way/Purbeck Way. It then picks up the Poole Harbour Way and heads south across Stoborough Heath and east across Middlebere Heath before heading sharply south, over the Swanage Railway Line to Corfe Castle. After a pause in the village, the ascent over the Purbeck Hills begins with a climb up West Hill and a walk along the ridge at the top along Knowle Hill. When the lane between East Creech and Church Knowle is reached, the party will descend and resume the Hardy Way all the way to Stoborough Heath where the railway line is crossed again. The hamlet of Stoborough Green will then be reached and the walk will conclude after a walk on the pavement along the B3050 which takes us over the river and back to Wareham.
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following:
Please appreciate the fact that not everyone is a dog owner or lover- especially when we stop to eat
Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control)
If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
All pictures are by myself.
What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:
Boots: Hiking boots that are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support, are important as soon as you encounter any mud. Cross trainers may suffice in good weather and flat routes.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans which are heavy and cold when wet. From April to October shorts are usually a better bet.
Waterproof over-trousers: essential in any significant rainfall. Breathable ones are best.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather. You get what you pay for with these. Breathable fabrics are advisable.
Hat: essential in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglassses: April- Sept: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required unless otherwise stated. In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Suncream: a high-factor for high summer as the walk is exposed, offering little shade.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. There are a number of shops in Wareham before we start and at Corfe Castle village. There are pubs in Wareham for the end.