Spetisbury

Starting at the dismantled old railway and remains of the station of Spetisbury, head to Crawford Castle, an Iron Age hill fort. Cross the River Stour, using one of the oldest bridges in the county, into the Tarrant Valley. Discover the isolated St Mary’s Church, where a Queen was buried and the walls are still painted with frescos. Continue to Keyneston Mill, which features a botanical garden and café using local flora, before returning over the flood plains of Stour.

Distance – 4.5 miles/7 km

Time – 1.5 hours

Total climb – 200ft

Max height – 265ft

Min height – 82ft

Terrain – Old railway, track, path, road and field.

Exertion – Easy

Start – (Grid ref: ST908029, Postcode: DT11 9DF).

Map – OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase.

How to get there – From Blandford Forum, travel south on the A350. Take the first right immediately after entering Spetisbury, just before the school. The car park is on your left hand side.
Dogs – On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.

Refreshments: Keyneston Botanical Café and Marcia’s Farm shop and café.