Netherbury, Stoke Abbott and Beaminster

Starting at a hidden Church in the little village of Netherbury, cross fields and streams to Stoke Abbott, with its medieval lion fountain and ghosts of a travelling coach and horses. Pass the Roman remains on Waddon Hill to the peak of Gerrard’s Hill, home to an elusive black cat and views out to sea. Visit the town of Beaminster and it’s pinnacled church to reach Parnham House, an ancient building rising from ashes and inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.

Distance: 5.5 miles/8.5km (shorter route – 4.5 miles/7km)
Time: 2.5 hours
Total climb: 520ft
Max height: 541ft
Min height: 130ft
Terrain: Track, path, road and field.
Exertion: Medium.
Start: St Marys Church, Netherbury (Grid Ref: SY470994, Postcode DT6 5ND). Please park considerately.
Map: OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis and Bridport
How to get there: From Bridport, take the A3066 northwards towards Beaminster. Once through Melplash, take the next left hand turn, down the hill and follow it into Netherbury. Keep on the same road, round to the right, over an amazing iron railing bridge and up the hill to meet St Mary’s Church.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: The New Inn at Stoke Abbot or Beaminster contains a number of small cafes and restaurants.

Neighbouring Walks: Lewesdon Hill, Buckham Down, North Poorton, Powerstock, Waytown and Salwayash.