Explore the little villages of the Fifeheads. Discover a giant mausoleum in the churchyard in Fifehead Neville and the packhorse bridge over the River Devilish (one of only a few surviving in the county). Pass the site of one of Dorset’s most impressive Roman villas, which has unearthed Roman jewellery, elegant stone columns and elaborate mosaics. Return via medieval trackways and wild woodland amongst the medieval landscape and legend of the magical White Hart.
Distance: 5.5 miles/8 km
Duration: 3 hours
Ability: Easy
Terrain: Path, track and field.
Total Climb: 143ft
Max Height: 320ft
Min Height: 200ft
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne
Start Point: (Postcode DT10 2AL, Grid reference: ST768109, What Three Words: sprouting.calms.inspects.)
How to Get There: From Sturminster Newton, go over the bridge and turn right onto the A357. Take the next left onto Glue Hill and continue for just under a mile. When you curve around a sharp left bend, turn off the road onto Crate Hill. Stay on the same road, keeping right, to join Dark Lane. Pass the entrance to the church on your right and the parking spot is around the corner on the left.
Refreshments: Plumber Manor or nearby are the Antelope Inn in Hazelbury Bryan and the Green Man in Kings Stag. There is also Olives at al, near Sturminster Newton, which offers a huge choice of delicious picnic supplies (10% off for TotV members!).
Neighbouring Walks: The Swan, The Bull, Banbury Hillfort, Hazelbury Bryan and King’s Stag.
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Did this walk today, and Ducks Lane is all bog, very hard going! Clearly the wet July hasn’t helped as it looks a lot drier in your pics! 🙂 Thanks!
Oh no, I hope you didn’t struggle too much, it is a wild one!
A walk to remember!
Thank you