We have walked in this area three times now.
In 2007 we extended the walk to take in some of the paths over Upton Heath and this resulted in a walk of 8.8 miles.
In 2012 we followed the route as it is shown above which is 7.2 miles.
In January 2013 we planned a shorter route of 6.5 miles. The intention was to take the road towards Little Manor Farm and then branch off onto the footpaths through Corfe Mullen. Unfortunately we hit a few problem areas. The first problem arose just after we had set off from The Lambs Green Inn. There was deep water along the road leading to Candys Farm. We watched with interest as a car drove through with water half way up its wheels and then returned to the main road. We walked along the road until we came to the footpath leading westward between the houses and soon joined our original route. This provided a pleasant walk with distant views to the north towards the River Stour.
All went well until we reached the second highlighted area where the path meets Brickyard Lane. The road here was completely flooded and impassable. We needed the help and understanding of a local land owner to find a route through to Stony Down Plantation.
We turned left onto Rushall Lane and then took the footpath on the right that took us across to the next lane. We turned left towards Corfe Mullen and then took the first road on the right expecting this to lead to a nice easy system of footpaths that would eventually bring us out on the Roman Road near Barrow Hill. This was not so easy as the footpath markings were non existent and the paths seemed to vanish into residents back gardens. We did find our way, after a few diversions, to the Roman Road which was very muddy. We walked along side it for quite a stretch and finally joined it where it was a bit better underfoot.
Just before reaching The Lambs Geens Inn we found another large lake across the road. Fortunately it was not quite as deep as it looked and the water stayed an inch or so below the tops of our walking boots. We went very slowly!
The result of all this was that the planned 6.5 miles stretched out to 7.4 miles. In spite of this everyone agreed it had been a good day out.
The lunch at Lambs Green was just what we needed. Good food and very pleasant staff.
WARNING: Leave this area for dry weather!
In 2007 we extended the walk to take in some of the paths over Upton Heath and this resulted in a walk of 8.8 miles.
In 2012 we followed the route as it is shown above which is 7.2 miles.
In January 2013 we planned a shorter route of 6.5 miles. The intention was to take the road towards Little Manor Farm and then branch off onto the footpaths through Corfe Mullen. Unfortunately we hit a few problem areas. The first problem arose just after we had set off from The Lambs Green Inn. There was deep water along the road leading to Candys Farm. We watched with interest as a car drove through with water half way up its wheels and then returned to the main road. We walked along the road until we came to the footpath leading westward between the houses and soon joined our original route. This provided a pleasant walk with distant views to the north towards the River Stour.
All went well until we reached the second highlighted area where the path meets Brickyard Lane. The road here was completely flooded and impassable. We needed the help and understanding of a local land owner to find a route through to Stony Down Plantation.
We turned left onto Rushall Lane and then took the footpath on the right that took us across to the next lane. We turned left towards Corfe Mullen and then took the first road on the right expecting this to lead to a nice easy system of footpaths that would eventually bring us out on the Roman Road near Barrow Hill. This was not so easy as the footpath markings were non existent and the paths seemed to vanish into residents back gardens. We did find our way, after a few diversions, to the Roman Road which was very muddy. We walked along side it for quite a stretch and finally joined it where it was a bit better underfoot.
Just before reaching The Lambs Geens Inn we found another large lake across the road. Fortunately it was not quite as deep as it looked and the water stayed an inch or so below the tops of our walking boots. We went very slowly!
The result of all this was that the planned 6.5 miles stretched out to 7.4 miles. In spite of this everyone agreed it had been a good day out.
The lunch at Lambs Green was just what we needed. Good food and very pleasant staff.
WARNING: Leave this area for dry weather!