Dan posted an update
10 months ago (edited)
Puddletown Forest, Puddletown Dorset
Early June 2025
A lovely, quiet forest and only a 15–20 minute walk from plenty of free on-street parking in Puddletown.
It’s a fairly large area with a mixture of heathland and forested sections, including some big old fir trees with plantation areas too.
One side of the forest borders the National Trust’s Hardy’s Cottage and nearby are the Rainbarrows – which are large ancient burial mounds accessed via a gate, from Puddletown Forest.
There are lots of paths and tracks criss-crossing the whole area, ranging from wide, solid stony tracks to smaller sandy and soil paths. There are also lots of well-trodden trails through the woods, which is a bit of a drawback as it means you’re never too far from a path or a potential visitor.
During the few hours I was there, I only saw a group of mountain bikers come through on one of the main tracks. I didn’t see or hear anyone else until later, when I was looking for a spot and I heard barking dogs.
I’d brought the tent with me because of the forecast of rain. I settled for a spot among some big old fir trees as the ground was pretty even and fairly clear of debris. Earlier, I did consider pitching near the Rainbarrows as there are flat grassy and sandy areas up there, but they felt a bit exposed, and I wasn’t sure how busy it might get with early dog walkers.
My first spot was too dense, dark and difficult to navigate. I even started clearing a space, but the ground was spongey, full of debris and wet.
My second attempt was where I encountered the barking dogs. I didn’t want to startle the owner or seem suspicious, so I walked away in the opposite direction to find somewhere else.
Eventually, I found a decent spot – a patch of forest among tall firs, but far enough away from any widow-makers. It was a bit open and had the remains of old bushcraft shelters dotted around, but it was dry and flat enough for the night.
No issues all night – very quiet apart from the many vocal deer moving around the area. Good phone and internet signal across the forest, but where I camped the signal kept dropping. Either I was in a slight dip or the trees blocked it.
Coordinates:
GPS: SY 74302 92463
Google Maps:50°43’52.3″N 2°21’55.7″W
What3words: I|/replenish.fuss.trainer
Getting there:
I parked on Brymer Road in Puddletown, which is about a 15–20 minute walk and roughly 0.77 miles (1.2 km) to the forest entrance I used. I entered where Two Droves, Rhododendron Mile and Coombe Road meet.
There are several other entrances around the forest, including two small car parking areas along Rhododendron Mile.
There’s also a larger car park located near to Greenwood Grange and the Hardy Birthplace Visitor Centre. I don’t know whether any of these car parks have restrictions, charges or whether they’re suitable or safe for leaving a car overnight.
Heads up:
Nothing much to worry about, apart from the remains of old bushcraft shelters here and there and the occasional dog walker. I was there on a Friday afternoon and night and it was very quiet – it was raining, so that probably kept most people away.
#puddletownforest #dorset #tentcamp #wildcamp
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