Wander the valley of the Moors River as it cuts through ancient heathland between the New Forest and Cranborne Chase. Follow the light railway out of Moors Valley Country Park, filled with a variety of tracks and forest trails. Cross the river to enter a landscape once isolated and lost in time as the lonely heath, once inhabited by hermits and outcasts, has been transformed by activity and industry. Find the Three-Legged Cross Inn, steeped in stories of smugglers, traders, and transport. Continue to the Castleman Trailway, where the railway has vanished and only a skeletal halt remains. Return through the woodland trails of the country park, weaving between towering trees and beneath rope bridges.
Distance: 4miles/6.5km
Time: 1-2hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 120ft
Min height: 58ft
Total climb: 72ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads. Suitable for bikes
Start Point: West Moors Country Park (payment required – quite expensive!). (Postcode: BH24 2ET, Grid Reference: SU104061, What Three Words: outbid. crunch.repayment).
Map: OS Explorer OL22 New Forest
How to get there: From Wimborne head to the east to merge onto the A31. After a few miles, veer off to the left ono the slip road, signposted to Bournemouth, and up to the roundabout. Take the first exit onto Horton Road and in 1 mile and a half turn right into Moors Valley Country Park.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code. Restricted areas in Moors Valley Country Park.
Refreshments: At the start and finish of the walk is Moors Valley Country Park with a café and ice creams, while, just off route, is The Three-Legged Cross Inn.
Toilets: At the Visitor Centre and the Railway Station in the park.
Neighbouring Walks: Verwood, Horton Common, Horton Tower, Woodlands, Chalbury, Ferndown and Hurn.
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