Take a Hike: A stunning Studland circle – and make it as long as you like!| up to 13 miles

Despite being one of the busiest tourist spots in Dorset, this lovely route takes you away from the crowds – winding instead across the stunning heathlands that sit behind the famous beaches, right next door to the RSPB’s nature reserve at Arne.

Don’t be put off by the length of this route – it’s endlessly adaptable. Tracks and paths criss-cross the whole area, meaning you can chop it to any distance you choose.

If you’re a Springwatch fan, you might currently be considering exploring RSPB Arne. There are very few public footpaths across the reserve itself (understandably so), but that doesn’t mean the area can’t be enjoyed. As almost all the crowds head to the beach, the heaths and forests remain peaceful even in the height of the season.

We walked the route on a hot Saturday in May; the roads towards Studland were busy enough, but if you’re planning on a visit during July and August, or a weekend in June and September, we’d suggest making an early start to avoid the traffic. We parked easily on the roadside – but again, we suspect this will be trickier in-season.

The scenery and views are surprisingly varied along the route – the wide open, gorse-filled heathland gives way to tall pine forests, and there are also sections through lush farmland, deciduous forest paths, one section gives a wonderful view of Corfe Castle and there are, of course, plenty of stunning sea views across Poole Harbour.

The route itself is simple to follow – paths are clearly marked, and there are no hills. It took us four hours to complete the route, plus half an hour for a picnic lunch break. If you want something shorter, the entire circuit has frequent paths spanning the loop, so you can cut across at multiple points to create your own route. Do take lots of water on a hot day – there are some pleasantly shady sections, but also long stretches on open heathland which give glorious views, but offer no respite from the sun.

CLICK HERE for more images and an interactive map (plus a downloadable gpx file)

We have always created and recently walked the routes we feature (See all previously-published routes here), so you know you can trust them. You can see all our routes (including many which are unpublished in The BV) on Outdoor Active, and all include a downloadable gpx file.

Wild foxgloves are found scattered across much of Dorset’s hedgerows and woodland