Church Knowle

Climb up the hidden peaks of the Purbecks. Explore the ancient ridgeway route, scattered with Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age earthworks, and medieval tofts and crofts. Enjoy views over Poole Harbour to Poole and Bournemouth in the north and the wooded valley of the Corfe River to Weymouth and the Isle of Portland in to south. Dip down to an important crossing, its old road now trumped by a hairpin bend. Delve down into the valley to discover the oldest house in Dorset along with its shrunken neighbouring settlements whose only remains are farms, barns and bumps in the ground; one being home to a murderess. Return through the village passing the traditional Purbeck stone cottages topped with ever decreasing tiles or whitewashed walls, kept cosy with thatch.

Distance: 3.5miles/5km (4.5miles/7km to include Grange Arch)

Duration: 2-3 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 642ft.

Min Height: 179ft.

Total climb: 468ft.

Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads.

Map: OS Explorer OL 15 Purbeck and South Dorset

Start Point: The Village Hall, Church Knowle. (Postcode: BH20 5NF, Grid Reference: SY940817, What Three Words: dare.detained.cello).

How to Get There: From Wareham travel south on the A351 to Corfe Castle. Once the castle comes into view, high above, turn right and stay on the same road for just over a mile. On arriving at Church Knowle, pass the church on the right and then turn left to find the Village hall and car park.

Refreshments: At the start and finish of the walk is the New Inn with a number of other options in nearby Corfe Castle.

Neighbouring walks: The Blue Pool, Corfe and Knowle Hill, Corfe and Kingston, Swyre Head and Steeple.