Chetnole and the Melburys

Walk through the heart of Dorset’s countryside, with views that are hard to match. Climb to the peak of Bubb Hill, near where a murder took place and the where guilty were hung from a tree. Descend into the valley to meet Dorset’s smallest church, in honour of St Edwold, who Cerne Abbas is indebted too. Enter into the estate of Melbury Sampford, where a heroine of Thomas Hardy’s tried, with little success, to escape the shackles of marriage. Visit the church where Hardy’s own parents were married, to return passing one of the UK’s smallest railway stations.

Distance: 6 3/4miles/11km

Time: 2.5 hours

Total climb: 500 ft

Max height: 520 ft

Min height: 220 ft

Terrain: Track, path, road and field.

Exertion: Easy. One big climb. A lot of mud after rain.

Start: The Chetnole Inn (Grid Ref: ST602082, Postcode DT9 6NU, What Three Words: speeded.encoded.rigid).

How to get there: The pub sits opposite St Peter’s church at the north of the village. Chetnole is clearly signposted off the A37, north of Dorchester. Alternatively, you can get the train to Chetnole on the Yeovil to Dorchester line.

Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.

Refreshments: The Chetnole Inn, where you start and finish.