From the tiny hamlet of Chilcombe, with its farmhouse, chapel and spirit of an old manor, wander up the hill to pass the Iron Age Hillfort of the same name. Cross the A35 to Askerswell, buried and hidden deep in the valleys below Eggardon Hillfort. Explore the secret paths used by smugglers following the little Ask stream alongside ancient earthworks and under a canopy of trees. Climb back up the chalk hills with views stretching across West Dorset to descend to Litton Cheney, passing the site of a private airfield. Explore the valley of the River Brit filled with sun splashed vineyards as well as ancient history to return to the isolated settlement of Chilcombe.
Distance: 6 miles/10km
Duration: 3 hours
Ability: Hard, some steep climbs and drops.
Max Height: 610ft.
Min Height: 160t.
Total climb: 468 ft.
Terrain: Path, track, road and field.
Map: OL15 Explorer Purbeck and South Dorset
Start Point: Nearby to Chilcombe Church. (Postcode: DT6 4PN, Grid Reference: SY528911, What Three Words: fabricate.scoring.fictional)
How to Get There: From Dorchester head west on the A35. After about 10 miles and having topped the hill, turn sharply left onto Chilcombe Lane. Carefully navigate the narrow road and at the top of the hill, turn left. Parking is on the left at the end of the straight road, just on the grass.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: On the route are The Bride Valley Vineyards and the White Horse Inn, both in Litton Cheney.
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