Dorset Adventures

Explore the deepest, darkest corners of Dorset by foot, wheel or hoof. Discover hidden ruins, beautiful views and ancient monuments. Visit places where mystery exists but only traces remain. Follow the footsteps of our ancestors and escape into this wonderful landscape.

Go where the people don’t go, make the world your own.

For a quick guide see – Dorset Inspiration

🥾 Free walk of the Month 🥾

🌳 Upwey 🌳

Two extra treats to explore the landscape around the filming of BBC Springwatch:

🌻🐦‍⬛🦡🌳Arne and Wytch 🌳🦡🐦‍⬛🌻

Search for a place, theme, activity, distance or ability to find an adventure for you.

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ABOUT TESS OF THE VALE

adventures

the big map of dorset

Tess of the Vale Membership

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Hand drawn maps are provided for every area mentioned. Prints are also available. See Map page for the full selection.

For any queries please feel free to contact me.

tessofthevale@gmail.com

Recent Posts

Melbury Abbas

by Tess of the Vale, posted in Walking

Delve into the deep, lush valley of Melbury Abbas. Discover the hidden church, filled with decorative tiles and topped with a wizard’s hat. It sits on the edge of an ancient road that was used by King Alfred to visit his daughter in Shaftesbury. The route has since carved itself into the soft greensand, creating … Continue reading Melbury Abbas

Wytch

by Tess of the Vale, posted in Walking

Off the tourist trail on the Isle of Purbeck, filling the low land between Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour, is Wytch Heath. Follow medieval trails over little stone bridges through a once heavily industrial landscape, it’s resources tapped since the Bronze Age. Skim the oil refinery, hidden behind thick Corsican pines and hard working nodding donkeys, … Continue reading Wytch

Cattistock

by Tess of the Vale, posted in Walking

From the home of the Knob throwing contest, climb the slopes of Cattistock Castle, the earthwork that towers over the village. Discover Chalmington, the country house whose previous owner made some dodgy smuggling deals and is still being chased by the American authorities. Wander through fields and through woodland to find the little River Frome … Continue reading Cattistock

Abbotsbury Railway

by Tess of the Vale, posted in Walking

Explore the historically rich, golden hued village of Abbotsbury by wandering though crumbling ruins, which tower up to the sky, as well as those hidden, knocking at the ankles. Find ancient sculptures of long gone Abbots and holes from musket balls fired during the Civil War. Discover the medieval pond with the great tithe barn … Continue reading Abbotsbury Railway

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