Moors Valley Country Park wilderness guide
Country Park · Dorset, England

Moors Valley Country Park

Moors Valley Country Park is a sprawling recreational area offering diverse outdoor activities including cycling, walking, and wildlife watching amid mature woodlands and lakes.

Country Park3354+ Trails

Designation

Country Park

Total Wilderness Area

335

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Moors Valley Country Park

Moors Valley Country Park is a sprawling recreational area offering diverse outdoor activities including cycling, walking, and wildlife watching amid mature woodlands and lakes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Moors Valley Country Park is located on the Dorset–Hampshire border in southern England and spans over 335 acres of mixed woodland, lakes, and open green space. The park is designed to provide extensive outdoor recreational opportunities within a managed natural environment, combining leisure amenities with conservation. Its geographic setting includes notable landscapes shaped by ancient forests and heathland, providing habitats for a variety of wildlife, such as deer, birds, and insects. Established in 1977, the park features a 26 km network of multi-use trails designed for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. One of the park’s major attractions is its Go Ape treetop adventure course, which draws many visitors seeking active family fun. Additionally, there is a visitor center offering interactive exhibits and a well-regarded café. Moors Valley Country Park is appreciated for its accessibility and variety of activities, including fishing in the lakes, playgrounds for children, and picnic areas. The park also supports environmental education and frequently hosts seasonal events. Its combination of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities makes it a favored destination for both local residents and tourists. The park’s trails offer varied difficulty levels, from easy riverside walks to more challenging forest routes. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining habitat diversity and protecting native species, ensuring that the balance between recreation and nature is sustained.

Field Guide · Country Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Moors Valley Country Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Go Ape treetop adventure course offering zip lines and obstacle challenges✦ Extensive multi-use trail network suitable for walking, cycling, and horse riding✦ Wildlife viewing opportunities including deer and diverse bird species✦ The Mason Trail, a circular route with scenic lakeside views and woodlands
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Moors Valley Country Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
Park Recreation

Cycling

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
Park Recreation

Go Ape Adventure

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
Park Recreation

Horse Riding

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
Park Recreation

Playground Activities

Available in Moors Valley Country Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Moors Valley Country Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access to the park grounds; fees apply for Go Ape and some facility rentals

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Moors Valley Country Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ringwood, Hampshire
⌖ 0.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ringwood, Hampshire

Ringwood, Hampshire, is a gateway to the New Forest, perfect for hiking, biking, paddling, and wildlife watching. This historic town offers easy access to forests, rivers, and protected areas, making it a great base for outdoor adventures from spring through early autumn.

Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Ringwood, Hampshire, England
⌖ 0.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ringwood, Hampshire, England

Ringwood is a charming market town providing access to the New Forest’s gentle hiking, biking, and paddling adventures. Its river views, forest trails, and welcoming vibe make it a great base for outdoor exploration from late spring to early autumn.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Saint Leonards, England
⌖ 2.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saint Leonards, England

Saint Leonards on England’s south coast offers coastal hiking, sea kayaking, and cycling with refreshing sea breezes and scenic views. This charming town is a perfect base for active travelers seeking adventure by the English Channel.

Late spring to early autumn
Explore Town
Burley, Hampshire, England
⌖ 3.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Burley, Hampshire, England

Burley is a charming village on the edge of England’s New Forest National Park, perfect for hiking, biking, paddling, and spotting native ponies. Its quiet trails and historic sites offer an authentic outdoor experience amid lush woodland.

Spring through Autumn
Explore Town
Fordingbridge, England, United Kingdom
⌖ 5.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fordingbridge, England, United Kingdom

Fordingbridge offers a perfect mix of river and forest adventures, from canoeing the River Avon to hiking and cycling in the New Forest National Park—a great base for active outdoor escapes.

Late spring to early autumn
Explore Town
Fordingbridge, Hampshire
⌖ 5.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fordingbridge, Hampshire

Fordingbridge offers outdoor lovers peaceful hiking, cycling, and paddling along the River Avon and nearby New Forest. Its quiet trails, wildlife viewing, and charming village vibe provide a relaxing nature escape.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Moors Valley Country Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Aim True: Woodland Archery and Axe-Throwing in Tolpuddle
ADVEXPEDITION
Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Axe ThrowingADV Bookable

Aim True: Woodland Archery and Axe-Throwing in Tolpuddle

A focused 2.5-hour combined archery and axe‑throwing session in Dorset woodlands that welcomes all skill levels and explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Axe ThrowingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Bow, Bolt and Axe: A 2.5‑Hour Woodland Throwdown in Dorset
ADVEXPEDITION
Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Axe ThrowingADV Bookable

Bow, Bolt and Axe: A 2.5‑Hour Woodland Throwdown in Dorset

A hands‑on session combining archery, rifle crossbow and axe‑throwing in Tolpuddle woodlands — 2.5 hours of coached skills, games and family‑friendly competition.

Axe ThrowingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Paddle into Christchurch: An hour of still water and river views
ADVEXPEDITION
Christchurch, Dorset
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Paddle into Christchurch: An hour of still water and river views

One-hour paddleboard rentals from The SUP School give paddlers of all levels a calm, equipment-included way to see Christchurch’s wildlife and historic riverside from the water.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip