Begin at a unique church that has been saved by the spirit of Thomas Hardy, once described by King Charles III as exquisite and complete with original aged oak beams. Pass the 17th century Manor House of Anderson, growing old as its formal garden, driveway and river crossing fade back to the landscape. In World War Two, the house was a temporary home for captured German soldiers, caught while wearing pyjamas! Climb the hill to meet a Roman Road and follow the footsteps of the invading soldiers as they appeared over the hills from Badbury Rings to Dorchester. Appreciate the wide open views, stretching over south east Dorset from the chalk tracks that scar the open fields. Discover the ancient palimpsest of Combs Ditch and follow its bumpy route to cut through the mighty earthwork to views over north east Dorset. Wander through thick, historic woodland, filled with bluebells at the right season, and through the chalky fields to return to the Roman road and the valley of the little Winterborne stream.
Distance: 7 miles/11 km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Ability: Easy
Terrain: Path, track and field.
Total Climb: 320ft
Max Height: 434ft
Min Height: 153ft
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
Start Point: St Andrew’s Church, Winterborne Tomson (Postcode DT11 9EZ, Grid reference: SY883973, What Three Words: piled.dustbin.wider.)
How to Get There: From Dorchester, take the A35 to Bere Regis. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A31. After about 2.5 miles, turn left onto Marsh Lane, signposted for Anderson. Follow the road down the hill and turn right just before the bend, following the signpost to the historic church. Park on the right, just at the entrance to the private road.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Botany Bay Inne, Winterborne Zelston or The Worlds End, Almer.
Neighbouring Walks: The Crown in Blandford, Spetisbury, The World’s End, Winterborne Kingston, Winterborne Whitechurch and Winterborne Stickland.
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