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East Dorset: A circular route around Potterne Park

Difficulty Easy Access

Walking time 34 minutes

Length 1.9km / 1.1mi

Route developer: Jacqui Gush

Route checker: Catherine Gonsalves

Start location Potterne Park
Route Summary This walk follows the path around Potterne Park and along beside the River Crane. It adds an additional section on the other side of the river and along a residential road.
*move mouse over graph to see points on route
Getting there

The following Wilts & Dorset buses travel past Potterne Park

X6  Poole - Ringwood

324 Cranborne - Bournemouth

Car Park at Potterne Park

Description

[1] Starting from the parking area at the entrance to Potterne Park, follow the tarmac path past the blue roofed rugby clubhouse and children's play area on your right.

[2] At the end of the playing field, take the gravel path which turns left. (Do not walk straight ahead into Moors Valley Park.)  The path soon meets the River Crane and turns left to follow it. Take note of the fitness trail that has been set up along this route and perhaps you would like to try out some of the exercise equipment provided!

[3] The path comes to a small bridge over the river signposted 'Permissive horse route and Ringwood Forest.'

(NB. If you prefer a shorter route, continue along the park boundary path to return to the park entrance.)

Cross the bridge and turn  right along a tarmac path next to the fence boundary to the park, which follows the river. (Do not go straight ahead into the housing area) A little later, the path forks, keep right.

[4] At the last houses, the path reaches a  T-junction. At this point, go left into Hazelwood Drive. Follow Hazelwood Drive, (being careful not to divert into any small cul-de-sacs!) until, on the other side of a high conifer hedge, you find a path on your left. (If you look to your right over the road, you will see the path continues past house no. 31).

[5] Turn left down the path to cross the bridge and turn right immediately to follow the Potterne Park  fitness trail beside the river.

[6] Continue along the path back to the start of the walk at the entrance to the park.

 

 

POI information

A. River Crane

The River Crane is unique amongst Dorset's little rivers because it changes its name in mid-course. Below the Moors Valley Country Park it becomes the Moors River which flows southwards for another 10 miles before emptying into the Stour at Blackwater under the shadow of St. Catherine's Hill, before it flows into Christchurch Harbour.

The Crane takes its name from the first settlement on its course, Cranbourne. Thus it was a stream frequented by cranes and herons. derived originally from cran and burna.

B. Potterne Park

Lifestyle in Verwood is the name of the newly merged Leisure Centre, Hub and Potterne Park, which all together offer an extensive range of sport, leisure and entertainment to the local community. 

Potterne Park offers a wide range of outdoor pitches for football, cricket and rugby. New artificial pitches are currently under construction and there is a popular skateboard park as well as the fitness trail.

 

Notes No details available.
Acknowledgements No details available.
  • A view from the path in Potterne Park
    A view from the path in Potterne Park
    By -
  • The River Crane
    The River Crane
    By -
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