From the depths of Thorncombe Woods discover the poet and author Thomas Hardy’s birthplace. Travel through the little village of Higher Bockhampton to Stinsford, following the footsteps of Roman soldiers. Pass numerous stately homes including Kingston Maurward, Birkin and Stinsford to meet the River Frome. Visit the memorial to Hardy at Stinsford church containing his … Continue reading Puddletown Forest, Stinsford and the River Frome
Start in the hidden car park and picnic area on the slopes of Buckham Down to follow the peak of the high ridge. Admire wide open views of scattered patchwork fields to both the north and south, with contrasting vistas inland and out to sea. Cross over the 'first ever' road tunnel to the top … Continue reading Buckham Down
In the deep dark valley of Turnworth, an inspiration for Thomas Hardy’s most mysterious novel ‘The Woodlanders', climb up the western slopes to Bell Hill. The ridge splits this section of Dorset in two, to the south are the large open dairies, to the north is the Blackmore Vale filled with patchwork fields and forest. … Continue reading Turnworth
Discover a secret of the Jurassic Coast, hidden down narrow roads, for only the brave to venture. The small village of Eype (Lower and Higher) sits on the river Eype as it meets the sea on the shingle beach at Eype Mouth. Walk back through the village and through ancient woodland to the historical landscape … Continue reading Eype and Thorncombe Beacon
From the centre of Blandford, travel by foot, wheel or hoof over the meadows and out of town. Cross over the old railway and up the hill, where many Roman treasures have been discovered. Make your way through the ancient landscape of Little Down, skimming the estate of Inside Park, its manor having burnt to … Continue reading The Crown, Blandford
Enjoy a pub crawl through three villages deep in North West Dorset. Starting in the village of South Perrott, and the Coach and Horses Inn, pass the earthwork remains of the medieval Mohun Castle. Wander into Mosterton to find the tractor in the stain glass window of the church sitting opposite the second pub, The … Continue reading South Perrott and Chedington
Start in the small village of Furzebrook which was once the epicentre of the clay industry, the area producing the raw materials required for the famous Wedgewood brand amongst others. Pass the village’s manor, so thoroughly used and abused during the Second World War, that the family didn’t want it back. Make your way past … Continue reading Furzebrook and the Blue Pool
