Our verdict
Boggy underfoot in a way that suits the name — good for wildlife, less good for clean paws — and best walked as part of a longer loop through the forest's heath compartments rather than alone. 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.
Wet heathland and former peat-cutting ground within Wareham Forest, close to Philliols Heath and Lower Hyde Heath in the heart of the Dorset Heaths SSSI.