Route: Brownsea Island
Area: Dorset
Date of walk: 25th September 2014
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 7.2 miles
Weather: Sunny and warm
I parked at the far end of Sandbanks and walked over to the yellow kiosk where I bought a return ticket to the island. The small ferry runs every half hour so I didn’t have to wait long. It was an enjoyable short trip to Brownsea Island which is owned by the National Trust. Admission is free to members of the Trust
Although I’ve included the usual route maps, it’s best to wander around as your fancy takes you. The island is full of interest
On arrival I entered the Nature Reserve, which is managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, and spent some time in each of the hides. I had some great sightings, as the photos will show
I then walked along ‘Middle Street’ to the far end of the island and back along the south shore, stopping off at various viewing points along the way
It was a fantastic day in a unique and beautiful place
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
At Sandbanks, waiting for the ferry
And here it comes, first sailing of the morning at 10am
Leaving Sandbanks
Brownsea Island ahead
A cormorant flies by the side of the boat
Approaching the jetty at Brownsea Island
The National Trust visitor entrance
The first bird sighting on the island - a peacock - they were all over the place
Inside the Nature Reserve, an Avocet from one of the hides
Little Egret
Redshank
Oystercatcher
I leave the lagoon to explore the rest of the reserve
The first of many red squirrel sightings - the island is a haven for them as there are no competing greys
Looking across Poole Harbour
More red squirrel action……
Walking along Middle Street
Approaching the far end of the island
Down on the beach and looking across Poole Harbour
Near Pottery Pier
View from Lincoln Cliff
On the return leg back across the island
Looking back to Furzey Island from the beach on the south side of Brownsea Island
Zooming in on The Pinnacles at Studland Bay
And zooming back to the start at Sandbanks
Almost back to the start - St Mary the Virgin Church
I’d really enjoyed the Nature Reserve and so decided to return. What a thrill it was to see a kingfisher, even though the photo won’t win any prizes
Avocet, no wonder it’s the emblem of the RSPB
Shovelers shovelling
Widgeon
A bird of prey flies over and the birds are spooked
The birds depart
It’s time for me to depart too, so I make my way back to the pier
Here comes the ferry
Goodbye Brownsea Island, I look forward to seeing you again one day
Back to the start at Sandbanks
