The area to the west and northwest of Blandford Forum is a great place for walks. Apart from the winterbourne streams the River Stour flows nearby and there are some excellent views from the tops of the hills. There are numerous paths and the mix of fields and woodland provides plenty of variety. The little map on the right (click for larger version) gives some idea of the number of walks we have done in this part of Dorset and I am sure we will do several more. See below for a more detailed map of one of our recent rambles starting in Durweston. |
The area includes several villages with the name Winterbourne. This is quite a common name in Dorset some examples being Winterbourne Stickland, Houghton, Clenston, Abbas, Monkton, St Martin, Zelston, Whitchurch, and Compton.
A winterbourne is a stream or river that is dry through the summer months and is sometimes simply called a bourne, from the Anglo-Saxon word for a stream flowing from a spring.
Winterbourne streams are mostly fed by ground water held in the chalk rather than surface water. The water bubbles up in springs which feed the streams. As the water table drops during the summer, the springs dry up and the streams gradually stop flowing. Only when winter rainfall recharges the groundwater supplies will the streams flow again - which is why they are known as “winterbournes”. Because the water has been filtered through the chalk, it is crystal clear and stays at a fairly constant temperature, making it an ideal home for wildlife.
This walk starts at the Village Hall in the Durweston. There is a sign saying that parking is only for people using the Hall however the people there are very friendly and always have always given us permission to park there for the day.
The route is fairly easy to follow but it may be wise when reaching Morgan's wood to follow the road around rather than trying to go through the wood. Blackfern Plantation is covered in rather dense blackberry bushes and the path rather muddy.
When we did this walk on 20 February it was a very cold and misty day. Rob described it as like walking around in a Tupperware box. There are however be some excellent views to be seen on days when the weather is a bit more friendly.
The route is fairly easy to follow but it may be wise when reaching Morgan's wood to follow the road around rather than trying to go through the wood. Blackfern Plantation is covered in rather dense blackberry bushes and the path rather muddy.
When we did this walk on 20 February it was a very cold and misty day. Rob described it as like walking around in a Tupperware box. There are however be some excellent views to be seen on days when the weather is a bit more friendly.