Explore the wild and untamed heart of the Blackmore Vale. Find ancient oaks that once filled the landscape with forest. Follow the footsteps of medieval hunters, while on the pursuit for the famous King’s Stag, to uncover the legend living on in the village name. Pass manor houses, sitting high on the river banks looking down upon their own estates, one with a towering obelisk, one with a populated deer park. Trace the medieval roads past nature reserves and farmyards to find the hidden village of Lydlinch and its church which, according to local Victorian poet William Barnes, has the best sounding bells in the county.
Distance: 5 Miles/8km
Time: 2 hours
Total climb: 180ft.
Max height: 280ft.
Min height: 190ft.
Terrain: Track, path and field, can get muddy and wet.
Exertion: Medium
Start: Lydlinch Common, just off the road near the green. (Postcode: DT10 2JA, Grid Reference: ST743135, What Three Words: secondly.unwraps.halt)
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne
How to get there: From Sturminster Newton, head north on the A357. Shortly after entering the Lydlinch, turn left onto Holebrook Lane, parking is in 150 metres or so on the right hand side.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are the Trooper Inn, Stourton Caundle (10% off for TotV members), The White Hart, Bishops Caundle or a number of options in Sturminster Newton. Alternatively on the A357 is Olives Et Al, a café and deli (also 10% off for TotV members).
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