West Moors can be viewed through several different highlights. The Castleman Trailway runs for about 27 kilometres between Ringwood and Poole and is suitable for walkers and cyclists. In the town, these are joined by the Woolslope Community Recreation Area, with paths that can be used all year round, West Moors Skatepark, and the coppice woodland areas of Penningtons Copse and Alder Bed. West Moors therefore offers a range of activities and landscape features to choose from.

The Castleman Trailway and its connection to the town

The Castleman Trailway is about 27 kilometres long and runs between Ringwood and Poole. It is suitable for walkers and cyclists. Within West Moors, its eastern section runs on or near the former railway line. It is useful to distinguish between the full route and the section in the town: Ringwood and Poole mark the endpoints of the route, while the railway connection identifies the eastern part in West Moors. This lets you consider the Trailway both as a longer link and in terms of the specific section located here. The former railway line adds a historical dimension; the section thus connects present-day use with the former railway route.

Paths in the Woolslope Community Recreation Area

The focus in the Woolslope Community Recreation Area is not on a route connecting endpoints, but on a network of well-surfaced paths. This path network can be used all year round. Unlike the approximately 27-kilometre Castleman Trailway, the focus here is therefore not on the route between Ringwood and Poole, but on the paths’ surface and usability. When choosing between the two options, consider whether the longer route or the year-round path network matters more to you. Woolslope therefore offers a different way to spend time in West Moors than travelling between the two endpoints.

Skatepark: facilities and access

West Moors Skatepark is designed for users ranging from beginners to advanced skaters. Its facilities include a new, sustainable concrete surface, ramps and other features. This makes it a distinct skateboarding destination alongside the available paths. The main access for pedestrians and cyclists is behind the Memorial Hall car park. When planning a visit, both the design and the location of the main access are relevant. If skateboarding is one of your travel interests, you can consider the park as a destination in its own right when choosing where to stay.

Penningtons Copse and Alder Bed

Penningtons Copse and Alder Bed are coppice woodland areas in West Moors. Together, the two names give the landscape a specific connection to the town. As woodland areas, they differ from the Trailway route and the path network in the Woolslope Community Recreation Area. If you do not want to define West Moors solely by a single activity, this named natural feature can add to your impression of the town.

Discover more destinations: Wimborne, Fontmell Magna, Thorncombe, Wareham, Dorchester, Broadstone, Buckhorn Weston, Bere Regis

For the wider travel overview: Dorset.