Our verdict
Three waymarked circuits and an easy-access trail make this one of the more navigable Poole heaths, and the view south over the harbour to Corfe and Purbeck is the pay-off. Sandy underfoot with moderate slopes; dogs on leads for the ground-nesting birds.
Internationally important heathland above Upton, with a rich mosaic of dry, humid and wet heath, bog pools and grassland. All six native British reptiles live here, alongside Dartford warbler, nightjar and sixteen species of dragonfly.
Open access land — you can roam freely on foot.