Wander beneath the thick canopy of Wareham Forest, following the Sika Trail toward Wareham itself. Cross the railway tracks to reach the River Piddle, where a 15th-century bridge carries you over its quiet waters. Climb the hill to discover one of the most remarkable Saxon churches in the country, then descend along the ancient Saxon walls back into the valley of the River Piddle. Wind through the floodplains to West Mill, pass beneath the railway bridge, and return to the forest, skimming the rediscovered gardens of Carey House, all in the footsteps of a saint’s funeral entourage.
Distance: 4 miles/7.5km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 153ft
Min height: 12ft
Total climb: 192ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads. (The River Piddle can flood in wetter months. Please check water levels. A diversion can be followed on the map)
Start Point: Sika Trail Car Park. (Postcode: BH20 4DH, Grid Reference: SY906893, What Three Words: whites.novelists.starts).
Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset
How to get there: Cross over the River Piddle on the northern edge of Wareham and then straight over the railway. Take the first left at the next roundabout, then right at the station onto Bere Road. Enter Wareham Forest to find The Sika Trail Car Park on the right after about a mile or so.
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 is The Angel (The Silent Woman) opening soon. There are also a number of options in Wareham.
Neighbouring Walks: St Edward’s Way, Wareham Forest, Gore Heath, Wareham, Ridge, Stoborough, East Holme and Woodbury.
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