Povington Hill is a stunning spot to let off some steam, fly a kite and enjoy the wilds of nature.

At 198 metres (650 ft) high it’s one of the highest points on the chain of the Purbeck Hills and from the top boasts views of Worbarrow Bay, the abandoned village of Tyneham, St. Aldhelm’s Head, Swyre Head and the English Channel beyond Gad Cliff to the south. If visibility is good try to spot Portland Bill!

To the north the view extends over the firing ranges on the Dorset Heaths. Preserved from ploughing and agricultural development, this is a landscape that is home to an abundance of wildlife, including many rare flowers, fungi and insects.

Povington Hill is entirely on the Ministry of Defence’s Lulworth Firing range and is accessible most weekends and school holidays, but it’s always best to check before you set off – click here.

As live ammunition is used, you must not stray off the paths which are clearly marked by yellow posts, and do not pick up any metal objects lying on the ground.

The Purbeck Ridge is a distinctive landform that separates the Corfe Valley, to the south from the South Dorset Heaths, to the north. It  was formed some 20 million years ago and is part of a fold of land known as the Purbeck Monocline.

This ridgeway is around 15 miles long and runs from Handfast Point, where the famous Old Harry Rocks are located, cutting through the Isle of Purbeck, ending at Cow Corner and Arish Mel, close to Worbarrow Bay.

The chalk ridgeway is broken by the Ulwell Gap, near to Swanage, as well as a gap at Corfe Castle. The Ridge provides spectacular coastal views at either end, while the central section provides wonderful vistas of Purbeck’s varied landscape, including views over Poole Harbour.

Walking along the ridge is to walk back in time, with the lives of the people who were here before beneath your feet – the popular walking route between Corfe and the Ulwell Gap is rich with ancient burial mounds called barrows, most notably those at Nine Barrow Down.

Try these suggestions for local walks

Tyneham Village & Flowers Barrow – A good walk for children, who will love the air of mystery in the abandoned village.

Corfe Castle to Kimmeridge – a 5 mile stroll for when the firing ranges are closed.

Find out more about the waymarked walking trails of the Purbeck Way