Bokerley Ditch

Trace the front line of ancient battles by following the path of Bokerley Ditch, an earthwork that helped to create Britain. Wander along the chalk ridge to meet the mystical Penbury Knoll, filled with towering pine trees that whistle in the wind. Return via the hamlet of Pentridge, sitting hidden down a dead end road, and cross the ancient Dorset Cursus.

Distance – 6 miles

Duration – 2 hours.

Exertion – Easy

Terrain – Track and road.

Dogs – Be aware of livestock and keep to the countryside code.

Map – OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase

Start – Bokerley Ditch car park (Postcode: SP5 5RH, Grid reference: SU036201, What three words: latches.exotic.pinch

Refreshments – None on route. Nearest pub: The Fleur de Lys in Cranborne or The Penny Tap in Sixpenny Handley

Bokerley Ditch is an ancient earthwork, most probably dating from the Bronze age with different additions and uses over time. It consists of a large bank and ditch and is combined with other earthworks including Grims Ditch, the Dorset Cursus and a multitude of tumuli.

It’s true purpose is unknown but we can establish that it was mainly used as a defensive system. The first use may have just been as a boundary between the two neighboring tribes- Dorset being the Durotrigian territory and their tribal neighbours the Belgae.