Upton Heath

Circle the natural wonder of Upton Heath. From its urban edge, weave between towering silver birch, aromatic heather, and the clumpy, sharp gorse. Pass the site of an old brickworks with views over the heathland to Poole Harbour. Its harsh environment often played the backdrop in Thomas Hardy novels, when it was only inhabited by outcasts, gypsys and criminals. Skim the A35 to merge onto the old dismantled Castleman Railway. Wander along its course to the Roman road, under the bridge the train once crossed, and back through the wildlife-rich nature reserve.

Distance: 3miles/5km

Time: 1-2 hours

Ability: Medium. Some steep drops and rough terrain. Can get muddy and uneven. Trodden paths sometimes your only guide.

Max height: 270ft

Min height: 56ft

Total climb: 236ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, an old railway and a Roman road. All bridleways so possible for bikes too, although it will get very tough at times.

Start Point: Beacon Road. (Postcode: BH18 9JP, Grid Reference: SY989951, What Three Words: impulsive.expanded.cried).

Map: OS Explorer 118. Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase.

How to get there: From the east or the west, turn off the A35 at the Upton Gateway Roundabout and head north on Longmeadow Lane. After about half a mile, turn right onto Beechbank Avenue and straight over the mini roundabout. At the second roundabout turn left onto Pinesprings Drive crossing over the old railway. Continue for a further half mile to then turn left onto Beacons Road, parking sensitively and without blocking access.

Dogs: Upton Heath is controlled by a traffic light system. Red = no dogs, Amber = dogs on leads and Green = dogs under close control.

Refreshments: None on route but nearby are St Peter’s Finger in Lytchett Minster and the Dorset Soldier in Corfe Mullen with a number of other options in nearby Poole.

Neighbouring Walks: Canford Heath, Hengistbury Head, Brownsea Island, Lytchett Minster, Sturminster Marshall, Wimborne and Corfe Mullen.