In the north east corner of Dorset sits the ancient landscape of Cranborne Chase. High on its chalk hills, wander through the spiritual environment crossed by a mysterious Neolithic causeway. Discover Bronze Age burial mounds, explore the large earthworks of an Iron Age settlement and join the footsteps of Roman soldiers on Ackling Dyke. Enjoy the bluebell filled woodlands, in the right season, before delving down into the valley of a little chalk Winterborne stream as it meanders past lonely farmsteads on the way to meet the River Allen.
Distance: 6.5 miles/10.5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Ability: Medium
Terrain: Path, track and field.
Total Climb: 375ft
Max Height: 480ft
Min Height: 160ft
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
Start Point: Harley Lane, Gussage All Saints (Postcode BH21 5HD, Grid reference: ST998107, What Three Words: shameless.bricks.sits.) It is also possible to cut this route short by parking at the junction with Ackling Dyke and at the end of the route returning via the Roman Road.
How to Get There: From Blandford Forum, travel north east on the A354 towards Salisbury. After about 5 miles, turn right, signposted for Moor Crichel. After another mile or so, turn left down the hill and then round to the right, through Gussage St Michael. Stay on the valley road and when you arrive at Gussage All Saints, turn left. Parking is suitable in the vicinity of the church entrance.
Refreshments: Nearby is The Drovers Inn, Gussage All Saints. When this pub closed a few of years ago the community got together, bought it and now it is the hub of village life.
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