Powerstock Forest

Delve into the wild landscape of Powerstock Common. Rub shoulders with deer, boar and wild ponies before following the dismantled railway through the trees. Discover a number of railway remains, some abandoned and some reused, as well as Ganger’s Hut, originally a shelter for people, now a home for bats. Leave the forest to explore Wytherston, a once bustling hamlet that has since lost its chapel. The buildings were beginning to crumble before they were saved by a fashion designer; the designer recently decorated with a CBE. Climb out of the valley with the great ramparts of Eggardon Hillfort rising ahead, then loop back to the railway line and into the forest once more. From the high point of the woods, wide views open across the countryside before the route descends past the old brickwork remains, a poignant reminder of the man who poured his life savings into the dream of the Bridport Railway.

Distance:  3 miles/5km

Duration: 2 hours

Ability: Easy. Steep climb up through Powerstock Forest.

Max Height: 550ft.

Min Height: 280ft.

Total climb: 300ft.

Terrain: Tracks and permissive paths (also possible as a bike ride along the bridleways and accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users along gravelled paths).

Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis

Start Point: Powerstock Common Nature Reserve Car park (Postcode: DT2 0DW Grid Reference: SY546973, What Three Words: reported.quits.cuddling).

How to Get There: From Dorchester travel west on the A35. As you approach Winterborne Abbas, turn off the main road and continue straight onto the old Roman Road. Follow the same lane all the way to the top of the hill, meeting Eggardon Hill’s ramparts. Turn right and after a mile and a half, deep in the trees, turn left into the Nature Reserve car park. Another three spaces are available 20 metres up the track.

Dogs: To remain on leads throughout the nature reserve and all mess to be collected. Outside the reserve, adhere to the Countryside Code and any notices on route.

Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Marquis of Lorne in Powerstock or The Chalk and Cheese in Maiden Newton.

Neighbouring Walks: Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, West Compton, Eggardon, Powerstock, North Poorton and Hooke Park.