The majestic Chase Avenue, running east west for about a mile and a half through Chase Woods, is quite the sight. Set in the rolling downs of the Dorset Wiltshire border, Chase Wood covers about 470 ha, with a significant proportion of that being recorded as ancient or ancient semi-natural woodland, it is a great place to loose yourself; if you were of a mind to, you could keep walking within the shade of the canopy all day. Chase Avenue, is a planned avenue of paired Beech trees, and in some sections doubled, cuts through the woodland with purpose, creating a most excellent walk. Composed of two straight sections which meet in large open circle in the middle, the avenue runs up and down combes over rises, so isn't a boring linear affair; each and every way you look there are differing woodland views. There are a few paths marked on the OS map (Explorer 118 Shaftsbury and Cranbourne Chase) cutting through or skirting Chase Woods, though the best paths are the 'permissive' ones, identified by wooden posts marked with a black directional arrow on a white circle, they afford you the best walking. The path along Chase Avenue is a permissive one. The photo above is taken from the eastern end of the avenue.
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