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Sika Trail

6.84 miles (11 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This signed off road circular trail takes you on a tour of the peaceful Wareham Forest in Dorset.
You will pass through the high forest and open heath of the area with its variety of wildlife. Look out for crossbills and sand lizards as you make your way around this 7 mile circular ride.
This trail is suitable for families with older children as the trail is relatively flat but has a couple of climbs. It is signed for its duration and though it is advertised as a cycle trail it is also suitable for walkers. You can start off from the Sika Trail car park located at postcode BH20 7PE.
This route links with the Wareham Forest Way. It runs from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall with nice views of the River Frome and the River Piddle Valley.
Also nearby are the Hartland Moor and Arne Nature Reserves. Here you will find more nice footpaths with a variety of wildlife to look out for.

Postcode

BH20 7PE - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Sika Trail OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Sika Trail Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Silent Woman is located in a lovely spot just north of the car park. The pub has a literary connection it changed its name from 'The Angel' after Thomas Hardy referred to it as ‘the Quiet Lady’ in his novel ‘The Return of the Native’. The inn has a particularly attractive outdoor area with a garden gazebo and picturesque landscaped garden. They serve good quality food and can be found at postcode BH20 7PA for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The trail and the surrounding expanse of the forest are ideal for dog walking. The Silent Woman pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

For more walking ideas in the area see the Dorset Walks page.

Photos

Northport Heath, Wareham Forest, Dorset - geograph.org.uk - 84637

Northport Heath, Wareham Forest, Dorset. A large area of open heathland and pine woodland, with the much loved Sika Trail running through it. Not only can you spot the secretive Sika Deer but also the solitary Roe Deer.

On the Sika Trail - geograph.org.uk - 1538599

On the trail. Easy walking, plus that great scent of conifers.

Wareham Forest Walk - Decoy Heath - geograph.org.uk - 1550420

Decoy Heath. Track to centre of picture leads to the Forestry Commission Offices Bere Road.

Heathland, Wareham Forest, Dorset - geograph.org.uk - 80707

Heathland, Wareham Forest, Dorset. The eastern edge of Wareham Forest is ahead and Morden Bog is behind this viewpoint. Among other birds of prey, the Hobby is to be found here.

Bloxworth Heath - geograph.org.uk - 1552028

Bloxworth Heath

The Silent Woman Inn, Cold Harbour, Wareham - geograph.org.uk - 80865

The Silent Woman Inn, Cold Harbour, Wareham.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Sika Trail.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Sika Trail.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)