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Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

www.moors-valley.co.uk

Ho rton Road
Ashley Heath
Nr Ringwood
BH24 2ET

Email: moorsvalley@eastdorset.gov.uk

T el: 01425 477880

Looking for something a bit different for a Sunday afternoon stroll, then this place could tick all the boxes. Moors Valley covers 750 acres in the Valley of the Moors River. Not easily sign posted until you are right on top of the entrance, a Sat Nav device could prove invaluable to get you here.

However, if you type in the above postcode on the RAC route planner website (www.rac.co.uk), it will find the place for you and can print off directions for a return route home. There are no admission charges. Opening times are from 8 am to dusk all year round except Christmas Day and a few days in January for cleaning the site.

For public transport links contact East Dorset District Council for more information. I saw no bus stops or signs close to the park entrance and none inside.

^^^ PARKING ^^^

On approaching the entrance you will notice four ticket barriers, two for the entrance and two for exit. On busy days there is usually quite a queue. As you approach the barrier, press the green button and you will be issued with a parking ticket. Do not loose this as you need to pay before exit. If the ticket doesn't issue or the barrier does not life, there is a speaker phone direct to the information centre where rangers are on hand to help you.

To pay on exit, either place your ticket in one of the three machines just outside the entrance or hand it to the receptionist/park ranger at the desk in the information centre. You pay by the hour and charges are very expensive, on the same level as an NCP. If you are there for the afternoon, expect no change from your 10 note. Paying is by cash and most denominations of sterling are accepted. There is no ATM machine in the park that I am aware of, so make sure you have enough cash with you.

Parking on busy days can be a nightmare. Visitors are here in their masses when the weather permits and if you get here later than mid-day, be prepared to park quite some distance away from the park entrance. With no allocated parking bays, this is really just a free for all.

Pedestrians and dogs are everywhere and have no regard to motorists trying to park. Be extra observant and alert and keep to less than 10 mph around the wood. On the occasions I have been there, no assistance is given to those trying to park. Even though there are signs inside the park saying there is 24 hour security,

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