From a landscape carved by the river, follow lakes and lanes into a spiritual environment. Weave around modern housing, the pylons that mark the edge of Bournemouth’s urban sprawl, and between hidden Bronze Age burial mounds. Skim the ghost of a faded country manor, once home to a single family, now an estate of hundreds. Meet the Iron Age ramparts of Dudsbury Hillfort, perched above the Stour and once part of an ancient system of travel and trade. Follow the river upstream to medieval Longham Bridge, one of the few stone crossings whose position has shaped the landscape present today.
Distance: 3.5miles/5km
Time: 1-2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 151ft
Min height: 38ft
Total climb: 132ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads.
Start Point: The Bridge House. (Postcode: BH22 9AA, Grid Reference: SZ065974, What Three Words: lion.early.digits).
Map: OS Explorer OL22 New Forest
How to get there: From Wimborne follow Leigh Road out of the town. At the roundabout, take the fourth exit onto Ham Lane (B3073). Cross straight over the mini roundabout and at the next turn right. Continue for a further half a mile to reach the turning off the road to Bridge House.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: Skim past The Angel Inn, The Owls Nest and The White Hart on the route.
Neighbouring Walks: Ferndown, Hurn, Throop, Canford Heath, and Lady Wimborne Bridge.
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