Purbeck | Posted on September 24th, 2026 | return to news

Purbeck Mining Museum Clay Trail gets a warm response

Formerly inaccessible area in Norden now a fun walk and historical trail.

After several years of planning and hard work by volunteers and local carpenters, tree surgeons, civil engineers and construction firms, the new Clay Trail through 20 acres of woodland around the Purbeck Mining Museum has been given a firm thumbs up by the public.

“The response has been fantastic,” says Museum Lead Peter Sills, following the official opening of the new trail. “It really has made all of the hard work worthwhile, and we’re delighted the new interpretation boards and viewpoints overlooking Blackwater, Corfe River and Corfe Castle have proved to be so popular.”

The new Clay Trail opens a previously inaccessible area that has been shaped entirely by Purbeck’s industrial heritage and is now rich with wildlife. The project was supported in part through heathland mitigation funding provided by Dorset Council.

The official opening of the trail was confirmed by Cllr Beryl Ezzard, Dorset Councillor for Wareham Ward alongside Jade North, Dorset Council’s Heathland Mitigation Officer, who joined volunteers and residents on the inaugural walk.

An ideal trip for day visitors and dog walkers, the new trail is the latest initiative by the Purbeck Mining Museum to preserve and share all aspects of Purbeck’s industrial clay mining heritage.

The trail is open to the public all year round and follows many of the track beds of the former narrow-gauge railway that once criss-crossed the area around the museum. And, during the summer months, visitors can complete the walk by visiting the museum.

This is housed in the area’s last mine building and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Purbeck’s clay mining industry. Full details of the museum’s opening times can be seen at www.purbeckminingmuseum.org.