Recent structural inspections found the wooden walkway had reached the end of its safe lifespan and, despite undergoing regular safety checks over the years, it is no longer considered suitable for continued public use after decades exposed to the elements.

The elevated woodland walkway, which first opened in 1991, became one of the park’s most recognisable attractions and a rite of passage for generations of children visiting the popular Dorset destination.

Standing around five metres above the forest floor and stretching for approximately 200 metres, the wooden structure offered visitors a unique chance to experience the woodland canopy while taking in views across the surrounding forest.

Over the years, countless families made the trail part of their regular visits to Moors Valley, with many parents now returning with children of their own after first walking across the bridge-like structure decades earlier.

Moors Valley itself has grown dramatically since opening in the late 1980s, developing into one of the South’s busiest outdoor attractions. Historical information from the park shows the Tree Top Trail was introduced during a major expansion period in the early1990s, alongside the popular Play Trail, as visitor numbers rapidly increased.

For many local residents, the trail was far more than just a walkway.

“It was one of the first things our children wanted to do whenever we visited,” said one regular visitor. “You could hear the boards creaking under your feet and look out through the trees - it always felt like a little adventure.”

Another visitor described the closure as “the end of an era”, adding that the attraction had become a treasured part of family memories over several generations.

The trail also became a favourite spot for photographers, nature lovers and walkers looking to experience the forest from a different perspective. Images shared online over the years frequently showed the structure winding through the treetops in all seasons,from bright summer days to frosty winter mornings.

Although newer attractions such as high ropes courses and adventure activities have arrived at Moors Valley in recent years, many visitors still viewed the original Tree Top Trail as one of the park’s most iconic features.

Moors Valley continues to attract visitors from across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire with its walking routes, cycling trails, steam railway, play areas and woodland activities.

While the closure marks the end of a much-loved chapter in the park’s history, many visitors say the memories created high above the forest floor will remain for years to come.

One long-time visitor summed up the feelings of many by saying: “It’s sad to see it go, but it gave thousands of children and families some really special moments.”