Morden

Delve deep into the ancient woodland surrounding the small settlement of Morden. Walk along the old tracks and trails through deer parks, past ancient stone sites and skimming hidden hillforts. Wander through the landscape, controlled by the Lords of Charborough Park and scattered with mighty oak trees. Dive under pylon wires, as they stomp across the county, and discover the many 17th-century farms which grew into the hamlets we see and know today.

Distance:  5miles/7.5km

Duration: 2-3 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 270ft.

Min Height: 60ft.

Total climb: 470ft.

Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads.

Map: Frustratingly on a corner of three! OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis,  OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase and OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset.

Start Point: St Mary’s Church, Higher Street, Morden. (Postcode: BH20 7DR, Grid Reference: SY916955, What Three Words: trials.radically.mocked).

How to Get There: From Poole, travel west on the A35 for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto the B3075 towards Wareham, staying on the same road for a mile. At the crossroads, turn right. On entering West Morden, merge onto High Street and parking is alongside the church wall on the left.  

Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.

Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Cock and Bottle in West Morden and The World’s End in Almer.

Neighbouring walks: The World’s End, Sturminster Marshall and Charborough, St Peter’s Finger, Wareham Forest and Woodbury.