Inspiring the writer Thomas Hardy and the artist John Constable, the small, rural town of Gillingham was hidden deep in ancient forest. Follow the River Lodden through the earthworks of Kings Court, the powerful, medieval hunting lodge, which turned into a castle. Walk on into the new landscape carved out of the old woodland, scattered with ancient trees and thick hedgerows that once sheltered the wolves and deer from encroaching huntsmen. Cross the railway twice to discover an abandoned Northern Line underground train carriage, hidden amongst the vegetation. Follow fields and farms to North End Farm, a building that has escaped modernisation and been left to grow old. Return via the remaining wild Forest of Kings Court Wood, where the trees would have encountered royalty.
Distance: 6 miles/8km
Duration: 2/3 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 390ft.
Min Height: 240ft.
Total climb: 140ft.
Terrain: Track, path road and field.
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase and 129 Yeovil and Sherborne
Start Point: Kings Court Road. (Postcode SP8 4LE, Grid Reference: ST817261, What Three Words: cried.gratitude.hasten).
How to Get There: From Gillingham town centre, cross over the River Lodden and take the next left onto Kings Court Road. Be mindful of access when parking.
Refreshments: Just off route is the Coppleridge Inn at Motcombe. Alternatively a number of options are in Gillingham.
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