There’s really nothing better than getting out in the fresh air and exploring forests and woods.
Forests can offer a relaxing and calming experience, whether it’s taking the dog for a walk, hiking or visiting with family.
The great outdoors is the best medicine.
Dorset is full of flowing country hills, miles of coastline and beautiful woodlands.
Here are 10 of the best woodlands you can explore in Dorset.
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Wareham Forest
Wareham Forest offers a chance to wander through historic and picturesque landscapes.
It’s a haven for nature lovers, with many trails winding through the woods and heathlands.
One popular route is the Woodlark Trail, named after the rare ground-nesting birds.
If you’re lucky, you might hear their lovely song. This trail features gentle hills and well-maintained paths.
There are many miles of tracks to explore, some of which are grazed by cattle to support the local habitat.
Visitors are encouraged to keep their distance from the cattle and maintain control of their dogs.
📍 Wareham BH20 7NX
Cannon Hill Woods
Cannon Hill Woods is a beautiful place for a walk in Dorset. It offers a mix of conifer plantations and broadleaf woodland, creating a diverse landscape.
Visitors can enjoy the Castleman Trailway, which runs through the length of the woods. This trail is perfect for walking, cycling, and even horse riding.
The gravel tracks are accessible and great for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This makes it a great, family-friendly destination for exploring nature.
📍 Colehill, Wimborne BH21 2UP
Powerstock Common
Powerstock Common, once part of the old Royal Forest of Powerstock, is in West Dorset. It offers a delightful mix of wet and dry grassland, scrub, woodland, and small copses.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk through this diverse landscape.
The walk at Powerstock Common can be challenging due to the hills, but the rewards are worth it.
The area is home to wildflower meadows, butterflies and bees, thatched cottages, and historic farmhouses.
📍 Dorchester DT2 0EJ
Thorncombe Woods
Thorncombe Woods is a delightful blend of ancient woodland and heathland.
This 26-hectare gem contains a variety of trees such as mature Oaks, Sweet Chestnut, and Beech. Listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory, it offers a rich natural experience.
At Black Heath, visitors can see a herd of Dartmoor ponies, part of the heath restoration project.
Rushy Pond, mentioned in Thomas Hardy’s works, is a paradise for amphibians, dragonflies, and even grass snakes.
It’s also a watering hole for the ponies.
A well-preserved Roman road runs through the site, adding a historical twist to the natural beauty.
📍 Dorchester DT2 8QH
Delph Woods
Delph Woods offers a 1.6-km loop trail near Wimborne, Dorset. This easy trail takes about 21 minutes to complete and is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the woodland all year round.
The 24-acre woodland features a mix of beech, birch, and holly trees.
There is also a striking 200-year-old common oak standing 80 feet tall.
Alongside the walk, a serene stream and a picturesque pond attract local wildlife, including foxes and Roe deer.
The trail, marked by yellow posts, follows a meandering path through the woods.
Free parking is conveniently available at the entrance, located on Gravel Hill.
Explore the trail further by joining the Castleman Trailway, which connects Wimborne and Broadstone.
📍 Broadstone BH21 3BY
Moors Valley Country Park
Moors Valley Country Park is a great spot for families.
There’s a cafe, clean toilets, extensive play areas, a scenic railway, and even a golf course.
For those seeking peace, the 1000 acres of forest are a haven.
One enjoyable route is the Look Out Walk, a 1.5-mile trail that meanders through the forest, featuring beautiful views and perfect picnic spots.
📍 Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET
Hethfelton Wood
Hethfelton Woods, situated five miles west of Wareham, is a stunning place for a walk.
Nestled in the heart of the Dorset Heaths, this area offers a mix of conifer woodland, broadleaf trees, and lowland heathland.
It’s home to many bird species, making it a Special Protection Area for birds.
Covering 160 hectares, Hethfelton Woods straddles the ridge between the river valleys of the Piddle and Frome.
It’s a hidden gem, often used by locals as a peaceful dog-walking spot. Visitors will find it perfect for a serene walk amongst the trees.
📍 East Burton, Wareham BH20 6HS
Moreton Forest
Moreton Forest is a gem to the west of Poole, known for its lush coniferous trees.
This tranquil spot offers a variety of walking paths perfect for a day out.
The Jubilee Trail footpath is a favourite, linking to other public rights of way.
Dog walkers should keep their pets close, as livestock grazes in the area.
For those interested in history, a walk here can lead to Lawrence of Arabia’s home. The path also passes by the site of his fateful motorcycle accident.
Nature lovers will enjoy spotting wildlife and marvelling at the beautiful scenery.
📍 2 The St, Moreton, Dorchester DT2 8RJ
Puddletown Forest
Puddletown Forest, near Dorchester, is a charming spot for those seeking a walk or cycle in nature.
This area is perfect for exploring public rights of way, weaving through conifer and broadleaf trees, creating a unique and harmonious environment.
Visitors can enjoy the forest’s history and ecology.
It provides a home to rare insects, ground-nesting birds like woodlarks, and native reptiles such as sand lizards and smooth snakes.
This trail attracts hikers, runners, and walkers.
There are quieter times of the day for those seeking solitude. Dogs are welcome and can roam off-lead in some areas.
The ideal months to visit are from July to October.
📍 Dorchester, DT2 8QS
Affpuddle
Affpuddle is a gem located east of Dorchester and Puddletown. It boasts a captivating mix of coniferous plantations and oak woodlands.
It offers stunning views across the Purbeck Hills.
Popular with dog walkers, Affpuddle features open paths and bridleways that meander through its scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy exploring both the forest and the surrounding heathland.
One of its unique features is its large sinkholes, known as dolines. The most famous of these is Culpeppers Dish, which measures 90m in diameter and 40m in depth.
Affpuddle is a part of the 216.5-mile Hardy Way Long-Distance Trail. Several waymarked walks make navigating easier for visitors.
📍 Sat Nav Postcode: DT2 7HP
