Explore the landscape of Nether Compton, a hidden corner of North Dorset. From the golden village, that rose from the ashes, head up to the hills for views over the counties of both Somerset and Dorset. Return to the valley to discover the ancient Holloways carved deep into the sandy stone by centuries of footsteps, hooves and cartwheels. Uncover a Tudor secret dug into the rock, guarded by a gate and inhabited by wildlife. Skim past the manor house, which pioneered the future of butterfly conservation, to arrive back at the village through woods, fields and country lanes.
Distance: 3.5 Miles/6km
Time: 1½ hours
Total climb: 380ft.
Max height: 440ft.
Min height: 140ft.
Terrain: Track, path, and field.
Exertion: Easy
Start: Park in the village, the road is wide both before and after the church, near The Green.
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne
How to get there: From the A30, between Yeovil and Sherborne, turn north off the dual carriageway about a mile and a half from either of the two towns. Follow the narrow road for about half a mile, down the hill to enter the village.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: The Griffin’s Head pub in Nether Compton.
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