From the little town of Verwood, on the edge of the mighty forest of Ringwood, circle the isolated patch of Horton Common. Cut under the lost dismantled Railway to enter the heathland, skimming ancient earthworks alongside the railway embankments. Wander through spindly woodland, edged by gorse and heather, to Monmouth’s Ash, where a potential King was found cowering in a ditch. Skim Mount Pleasant, home to a witch that turns herself into a hare, to return through the lake filled Crane Golf Course.
Distance: 4miles/7km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 224ft
Min height: 100ft
Total climb: 211ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Dewlands Road. (Postcode: BH31 6PN, Grid Reference: SU078085, What Three Words: tides.gurgling.slyly).
Map: OS Explorer OL22 New Forest & OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
How to get there: From the centre of Verwood, head east on Station Road (B3081). Turn left onto Dewlands Road. Follow it all the way to the end, just after the tarmac, to find parking – without blocking any access.
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 Albion Inn on Station Road and The Monmouth’s Ash in Verwood and The Cross Keys Inn on Holt Road in Ferndown.
Neighbouring Walks: Stephen’s Castle, Hurn, Ferndown, Chalbury, Horton and Woodlands.
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