Description:
This 6.5-mile (10.5km) circular walk heads through forestry commission land and areas of heath. On the way it passes the tank training grounds at Bovington Camp and the memorial to T.E Lawrence. Sections of this route follow minor roads, these are not devoid of traffic so care needs to be taken.
Walk Grade:
Easy
Distance:
6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Time:
2:15 – 2:45 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from the Forestry Commission free car park at Affpuddle (DT2 7HP) (Grid Ref: SY804924).
Walk Route:
Leave the car park by taking the path that heads east and runs parallel to a minor road. After 1.2km turn right to join a footpath heading south (Grid Ref: SY816925). After 175 metres the path joins the route of the Hardy Way. Within 250 metres the Hardy Way joins the Jubilee Trail continue south.
Now follow the Hardy Way and Jubilee Trail as it heads south through Bryants Puddle Heath to reach Oakers Wood and then onto reach a minor road (Grid Ref: SY807911). Cross the road and continue south for 1.4km through woodland and then cross fields to a further copse to reach a junction of paths (Grid Ref: SY807897).
Turn left to join a forestry track, Moreton Drive. After 150 metres take a footpath leading along a track on the right. Pass the entrance to Snelling Farm and continue on the track as it leads back into forestry plantations. At a junction of paths (Grid Ref: SY817897) turn left and head steadily uphill.
Stay with the track as it leads besides the military area on Bovington Heath. On reaching a road (Grid Ref: SY825903) cross and head north on the footpath parallel to the road. Near Cloud Hill join the road and follow it with caution to pass the entrance to Cloud Hill House, the home of T.E. Lawrence.
At a road junction (Grid Ref: SY823910) cross with care and take the footpath heading north across Tonerspuddle Heath. On reaching a minor road (Grid Ref: SY822917) turn right and then almost immediately take the minor road on the left.
Follow the road for 1km to reach a road junction (Grid Ref: SY816925) turn left and follow the road briefly before taking a path on the left leading to the Forestry Commission care park at Culpepper Dish. From here return to the starting point by heading west on the track running parallel to the road.
Toilets:
There are no public toilets.
Refreshments:
None
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map 15 – Purbeck and South Dorset
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.