Challow Hill is nestled along the southern boundary of Poole Harbour and situated just east of Corfe Castle. With a small Dorset County Council car park located at the base of the hill along Sandy Hill Lane, Challow Hill offers a breathtaking (and breathless) walk up to one of the best views across the Poole Harbour basin.

During spring and summer, the luxurious song of Yellowhammer and Blackcap ring out in tandem with the bells of nearby Corfe Church. Dartford Warbler and Whitethroat both breed in good numbers and passage migrants in spring and autumn make their way along the ridge towards Nine Barrow Down, or out through the Corfe Gap. Continue along the path east at the top of Challow Hill which will eventually lead you to Ballard Down and Old Harry Rocks, but the main bulk of scrub on the edge of the hill is where much of the interest lies.

The walk up Challow Hill is a steady but steep incline but the views when you reach the top are stunning. This path is really popular with cyclists as it will lead you all the way east across the top of Nine Barrow Down and eventually to Ballard Down and Old Harry Rocks.

Birds of Poole Harbour

Is a charity completely dedicated educating people on the stunning variety of bird life in one of the country’s most picturesque locations, helping you make the most of this truly breathtaking natural harbour. They see their role as the link to raising the profile of bird conservation, observation and education in and around the Poole Harbour area through harbour-wide partnership working, high standards of people engagement work and continuous monitoring of the harbour and its bird populations. See the Birds of Poole Harbour website for more details.