Our verdict
Sandy tracks make for easy going and the north and south heaths each give a decent circular walk. Low-lying wooded stretches turn claggy after rain, and the reptile interest means dogs should stay on the paths from spring through summer.
A large block of internationally important lowland heath north of Christchurch, mixing dry and wet heath with bog pools and birch woodland. Managed in part by Dorset Wildlife Trust, and one of the strongholds for heathland reptiles and Dartford warbler.
Open access land — you can roam freely on foot.