Discover a pocket of peace surrounded by three growing towns. From the golf course that sits on its edge, venture into the vast and wild landscape of Canford Heath. Weave between gnarly branches and fallen tree trunks on a terrain of sand, skimming industrial sites that border the nature reserve. Ride or walk along the narrow tracks and gravel lanes once used by the Lords and Ladies of Canford Manor. Pass the old estate’s dairy and bakery, now million-pound houses, to leave the trees behind and enter the gorse and heather-covered heath. Return along the high ridge with views across Poole to the harbour, the horizon broken by the water tower of Tower Park.
Distance: 4.5 miles/7.5km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 225ft
Min height: 107ft
Total climb: 235ft
Terrain: Tracks and paths. On Bridleways – suitable for bikes and horses, but can get a bit sandy and narrow in places.
Start Point: Francis Avenue. (Postcode: BH11 8TJ, Grid Reference: SZ045952, What Three Words: young.narrates.divided).
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
How to get there: Entering the area of Poole from the west on the A35, continue straight ahead onto the A3049. Keep left at the next roundabout and at the following take the second exit to the right. Keep in the left hand lane, turning left, staying on the A3049. Remain in the left lane to take the first exit off the next roundabout. Follow the road almost to the end to find parking on the left hand side.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are many options in Tower Park, Poole and Bournemouth.
Neighbouring Walks: Lady Wimborne Bridge, Throop, Iford, Lytchett Minster, Upton Heath and Corfe Mullen.
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