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Blue Pool Dorset

1.9 miles (3 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This extraordinary lake in Dorset is located near Wareham and Corfe Castle. Particles of clay in the water diffract reflected light, meaning the pool changes colour regularly. At any time it could be a 'cloudy' grey, green, or more typically a beautiful turquoise. Surrounding the lake are a number of sandy walking paths and peaceful woodland trails. Steps take you to a vantage point where you get great views of the pool and the surrounding Purbeck Hills. The Blue Pool is also a nature reserve. Look out for the Dartford warbler, nightjar, Silka deer, squirrels, rabbits and badgers. The site also contains a Giftshop, Museum, Tea-house and Plant Centre.
The Purbeck Way runs past the site so you could pick this up if you would like to continue your walk. If you head south east along the trail you will soon come to Corfe Castle where you can visit the fascinating castle ruins and enjoy a climb across Corfe Common. The delightful Arne Nature Reserve is also nearby so this is another good option.

Postcode

BH20 5AR - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Blue Pool Dorset OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Blue Pool Dorset Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's a nice on site tea rooms where you can enjoy refreshments after your walk.

Dog Walking

The pool and the surrunding woodland paths make for a lovely dog walk. You are advised to keep them on leads though.

Photos

Blue Pool - geograph.org.uk - 348379

Lovely sunny day at the pool in late summer 2006

Furzebrook, Blue Pool - geograph.org.uk - 823160

The Pool is a remnant of a Purbeck clay pit which was in use from the 16th to 19th centuries and survives only because the prospectors couldn't be bothered to fill in what they left behind.

Furzebrook, across Blue Pool - geograph.org.uk - 823207

As the Pool is formed from an old clay pit, with no stream feeding into or issuing from it, it consists purely of rainwater and the acidic conditions and lack of oxygen do not allow fish to thrive, nor much plant life.

Furzebrook, picnic benches at Blue Pool - geograph.org.uk - 823167

Furzebrook, picnic benches at Blue Pool

Furzebrook, a clump of rhododendrons - geograph.org.uk - 823202

A large single patch of rhododendrons within the woodland  during the spring month of May.

Furzebrook, the Little Pool - geograph.org.uk - 823183

Furzebrook, the Little Pool. This is a smaller neighbour to the blue pool.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Blue Pool Dorset.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Blue Pool Dorset.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)