In the deep, dark, narrow valleys of the River Mangerton lie ancient settlements that have developed into tiny hamlets. Starting at the farm of North Poorton, climb Burcombe Hill to reach the triangular Hillfort of the same name commanding over the channels below, carved by the small streams. Pass impressive Mapperton House and its gardens … Continue reading North Poorton and Mapperton
Terrain - Sandy and stony tracks. Can get very muddy and boggy if wet. Map – OL 15 Purbeck and South Dorset Start – There are a few car parks along Sugar Hill. Gore Heath also has its own car park. There are also a number of pull-ins scattered around the forest. Refreshments –The Silent … Continue reading Wareham Forest bike ride
Terrain - Track and road. Map - OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis Start – Two official car parks and a few large laybys surround the forest. Refreshments – National Trust Café at Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Puddletown Forest sits in between the country town of Dorchester and the small village of Puddletown. Originally … Continue reading Puddletown Forest Bike ride
Circle the estate of Crichel House, set in its stunning 18th century manmade landscape. Its history includes a tragedy that changed the course of the Royal family. Discover the elegant avenue of Beech trees, leading to the remains of the village. Follow the route of the Roman soldiers along Ackling Dyke towards Badbury Rings, but … Continue reading Moor Crichel
Distance: 3 milesTime: 1 hourTotal climb: 350ftMax height: 400ftMin height: 175ftTerrain: Track, path, road and field.Exertion: Climbs can be hard.Start: Kimmeridge Quarry – free parking (Postcode: BH20 5NZ, Grid reference: SY918800)Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South DorsetHow to get there: From Wareham, take the first right out of Stoborough. Follow the road for about … Continue reading Steeple
Eight villages line the valley, all gaining their name from the river. Once the location of an abbey, a monastery and the existence of a surviving medieval pack horse bridge, it suggests activity and life has been here for centuries. Going back even earlier in time, ancient earthworks sit abreast the hill tops and Roman … Continue reading The Tarrant Valley
