Our verdict
Peaceful, typical Purbeck heath walking with room to roam off any set path; the trade-off is no facilities and no signage, so it suits people who already know the area. Ground-nesting Dartford warblers and nightjars mean dogs need to stay on the main tracks (or on a lead) through the spring and summer nesting season. Parking and dog rules are TBC.
Open lowland heath west of Burton and Knighton Heaths, part of the Winfrith and Tadnoll heathland block within the Dorset Heaths SSSI — heather, gorse and scattered pine on gently rolling ground.