Wytch

Off the tourist trail on the Isle of Purbeck, filling the low land between Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour, is Wytch Heath. Follow medieval trails over little stone bridges through a once heavily industrial landscape, it’s resources tapped since the Bronze Age. Skim the oil refinery, hidden behind thick Corsican pines and hard working nodding donkeys, to enter deeper into the woodland. Cut through the ancient estate of Rempstone, home to stone circles, burial mounds and old tramways. Return via Scotland Farm, the house built from Corfe Castle’s recently fallen stone, finding sanctuary in isolation during the infestation of the plague.

Distance:  6 miles/9.5km

Duration: 3-4 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 95ft.

Min Height: 0ft.

Total climb: 125ft.

Terrain: Sandy tracks, paths and roads.

Map: OLS Explorer 15 Purbeck and South Dorset

Start Point: Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve. (Postcode: BH20 5DN, Grid Reference: SY960841, What Three Words: albums.channel.drips).

How to Get There: From Wareham, travel south on the A351. At the Norden Roundabout, take the first exit and then take the next left hand turning onto the heath. Stay on the same road for about a mile. After passing the turning for Scotland Farm there is a large layby suitable for parking on the right hand side.

Dogs: All dogs to be kept on a lead, in accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.

Refreshments: None on route but nearby is The Halfway Inn on the A351 or the RSPB Café on Arne. Alternatively, a number of options are in nearby Corfe Castle or Wareham.

Neighbouring walks: Wareham, Arne, Studland, Old Harry’s Rocks, Rempstone, Corfe to Kingston, Corfe and Knowle Hill