Image shared for Commoners’ Ways: Kingston, Corfe Castle and Blashenwell
Countryside Circular

Commoners’ Ways: Kingston, Corfe Castle and Blashenwell

Dorset

Distance
4.8 mi
Est. time
3h 30m
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Follow the Commoners’ Ways between Kingston and Corfe Castle, with open fields, wooded stream crossings and the two halves of Corfe Common. The village section gives a close view of Corfe Castle above the stone cottages, before the return passes Blashenwell Farm and climbs back through woodland to Kingston.

Start at Houns Tout car park on West Street, west of St James’s Church in Kingston. Follow the lane into the village, then take the signed field path near the old church opposite the Scott Arms. Turn left onto the Purbeck Way and follow it through the Scoles stream valley, using the footbridges and boardwalks. Cross East Common and cross the B3069 at the marked gates. Follow the common path to the Halves cottages, then the signed footpath through the fields towards Corfe Castle. The narrow Drong leads onto West Street; continue to the village square.

Return down West Street and follow the surfaced common track south towards Blashenwell Farm. Use the public bridleway around the north side of the farm and pond, then follow it uphill through the fields and woods to Kingston. Turn left along West Street and return to the car park. Stay on the signed public paths through the farm.

Allow about 3 hours 30 minutes for the walk, including short stops. There are stiles, gates, uneven ground and a steady uphill return. Fields and the stream valley can be muddy; wear walking boots and take care on wet boards. The B3069 crossing has no controlled crossing: wait for a clear gap and check both directions. Village lanes have short sections without a continuous pavement. Keep dogs on a lead around livestock and close gates. This route stays inland.

Check the car park signs on arrival. Kingston has the Scott Arms pub, and Corfe Castle has cafés, pubs and public toilets. Castle admission is separate from the walk.

Route references: Dorset Council’s Commoners’ Ways leaflet (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/commoners-ways), with National Trust guidance for Corfe Common (nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle/corfe-common-history-walk).

Walk details

County
Dorset
Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
4.8 mi (7.8 km)
Est. time
3h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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