Location details and access opportunities and restrictions for Wyke Regis training area & Chickerell Camp near Weymouth in Dorset.
Location
Wyke Regis training area camp - Fleet
Near Weymouth in Dorset.
Site Description
Wyke Regis Training Area is part of the Defence Training Estate South West and is located at three sites. Two of these are on the northern side of the Fleet, a tidal lagoon with Chesil Beach, the shingle beach of international importance, on the southern side.
In 1928, the Royal Engineers established a Bridging Camp alongside the Fleet at Wyke Regis, and the site continues to be used for training the Royal Engineers and other arms (both Regular and Reserve Forces) in the building of bridges and ferries, as well as other forms of military training.
The second site is a Camp and Rifle Range at Chickerell which, as well as being used for markmanship training, is used for basic fieldcraft and patrolling exercises.
The third site is located at Verne Yeates on the island of Portland and is used for bridging and signals training.
The conservation importance of Chesil Beach and the Fleet, including parts of Chickerell Range, is recognised by its designation as a World Heritage Site. The fleet is also a European Special Area of Conservation. Much of the Range area at Chickerell is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), as are areas of Verne Yeates.
Wyke Regis training area coastal path
Access Opportunities
The South West Coastal Path, a National Trail from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point in Poole, runs along the northern boundary of Wyke Regis Bridging Camp and the southern boundary of Chickerell Range.
Access is available using Fleet Lane alongside Chickerell Camp following the Camp fence line to Chickerell Rifle Range, on Tidmoor Point on FP33, or Coastal Path FP36. Access is available at all times, except when red flags are flying when walkers will be diverted inland around the back of the Range firing point, by signs and access restricting gates, before returning to the Coastal Path.
Further Information from...
Contact 01305 831935
OS Map References
OS Landranger Map Sheet 194
(Dorchester, Weymouth & Surrounding Area) 1:50,000
OS Explorer Sheet OL15
(Purbeck and South Dorset) 1:25,000