In the village of the pigs, discover the old railway, now overtaken by trees, to clamber stiles, cross plank bridges and circle gnarly oaks in the narrow valleys of tributaries of the River Hooke. Climb to the top of Wynford Wood to gain wide open views across the Dorset countryside and down to the ancient estate of Wynford Eagle. Skim the village and the early 17th century Manor House; the gabled stone entrance adorned with a stone eagle, which has witnessed both murder and fraud. Make your way back over the hill to the tiny hamlet of Toller Fratrum, a place rich with history as well as a place saving history. After visiting its secretive chapel, that hides 1000 year old treasure, return to Toller Porcorum following the medieval trackways, past ancient woodland and stepping over babbling brooks.
Distance: 4.5miles/7km
Duration: 2 hours
Ability: Medium
Terrain: Path, track and field.
Total Climb: 600ft
Max Height: 625ft
Min Height: 340ft
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
Start Point: The Village Hall, Toller Porcorum (Postcode: DT2 0DT, Grid reference: SY561979, What Three Words: carry.explained.ghosts.)
How to Get There: From Dorchester, head north out of the town and onto the A37. After about 3 miles, turn off toward Frampton onto the A356. Drive straight through Maiden Newton, pass the turning for Toller Fratrum and then turn left towards Toller Porcorum. Continue through the village and turn right at the church. Turn left onto Church Mead and the village hall is straight ahead.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: None on route. The nearest pub being The Chalk and Cheese in Maiden Newton or The Fox and Hounds in Cattistock.
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I so enjoyed yr photos….thank you….but I am not on social media….my great great x8 grandfather built Toller Fratrum mANORHOUSE….so I am v interested in IT AS U CAN IMAGINE… the last time I went to see it itthere had been a fire,,,,if you can update me , I wld appreciate that….my e mail is guinevere006@yahoo.co.uk…m thanks
Hi, thank you for getting in touch, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. What amazing family history. I read that it was build by John Samways and then extended by Lord Fulford, having married Elizabeth Samways. So they must be your ancestors!
The pictures of the 2015 fire look devastating but when I walked by, you wouldn’t have known it had happened. They’ve done a brilliant job in restoring it. I’d love to hear any stories you know of the area or happy to try look into anything else for you. If I don’t know, I know a man who might!
Thank you again for your message, it’s really nice to know my work is being appreciated!
I used to live in Wynford Eagle and love it. The walks look amazing. Thank you for publishing themx