Begin in the quiet village of Furzebrook, once the beating heart of Dorset’s clay industry, where the earth helped shape the world-famous Wedgwood pottery. Pass the village manor which was left so worn and weathered by the Second World War that its owners never returned. Continue towards the enchanting Blue Pool, its waters shifting between turquoise and deep emerald in the changing light (entry fee applies). Enter a landscape of ancient woodland and species-rich heath, tracing paths around the remnants of old clay pits beneath the watchful rise of the Purbeck Hills. Head through East Creech, past the striking conical form of Creech Barrow Hill, before opening out onto Creech Heath, where wide skies and sweeping views stretch all the way to Poole Harbour.
Distance: 3.5 miles/5km
Duration: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 340ft.
Min Height: 150ft.
Total climb: 200ft.
Terrain: Path, track, road, heath and woodland. The Blue Pool has a flat track suitable for wheelchairs.
Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset
Start Point: Small layby next to the phone box on Furzebrook Road (Postcode: BH20 5AR, Grid Reference: SY931838, What Three Words: extremely.napkins.bronzes). If visiting the Blue Pool you can park and join the route from there (Postcode: BH20 5AR, Grid Reference: SY935835, What Three Words: fired.contained.pythons).
How to Get There: From Wareham travel south through Stoborough to meet the A351 at a roundabout. Go straight over onto Furzebrook Lane. Shortly after crossing the railway line, the phone box and layby is on your left hand side.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: There are tea rooms for paying visitors at Blue Pool or the nearest pub is The Halfway Inn on the A351.
Neighbouring Walks: Ridge, Wytch, Knowle Hill, Corfe Castle to Kingston, Church Knowle, and Stoborough
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The Longest Rope Bridge in the UK
In May 2024 a new rope bridge was added on the eastern tip of the Blue Pool, crossing a sandy gully as it dips down to the water. The bridge sits at a total of 10 metres high and, at 50 metres long, is the longest rope bridge in the country. It beats the previous title holder, which is in private ownership, by 8 metres. However, both were constructed by the same team – Treehouse Life Ltd). From the wobbly bridge are panoramic views looking over the blue waters and deeper into the sandy woodland.
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