Starting at the peak of Wootton Hill, under the canopy of Charmouth Forest, explore the medieval landscape of Wootton Fitzpaine and Champernhayes. Pass overgrown sites of many lost cottages, the landscape the residents worked now covered in trees. Discover farmhouses built from monastery remains and ruins of the monks intensive activity on the river banks. … Continue reading Charmouth Forest
Cut through a corner of the Blackmore Vale, along peaceful country lanes, ancient tracks and old drove roads. Pass historic farms, country manors and the oldest working post-box in the country. Discover two medieval packhorse bridges, a lost turnpike road and the vineyards that produce the grapes for Sherborne Castle. Distance: 6 miles/9km Duration: 2-3 … Continue reading Bishop’s Caundle
Start at the little hamlet of Stour Row, deep in the valley of the meandering River Stour and the landscape of Thomas Hardy's 'Tess of the D’Urbervilles'. Discover earthworks of a Romano-British settlement that grew in the medieval period but then faded back into the ground to become nothing but a scattering of barns and … Continue reading Stour Row
Explore the history of Brownsea Island. From a defence to a sanctuary, it has seen the rise and fall of both settlement and industry. Managed by landowners who ranged from mad to depressed as well as hosting lavish parties for European royalty to hiding from the world, it has risen from the ashes twice and … Continue reading Brownsea Island
Beginning in an ancient environment of barrows and barren heath, climb Blacknoll Hill to reveal the landscape of the future. Skim the remains of a nuclear power station to the railway and around the innovation park, researching and developing the technology of tomorrow. Pass the Police Headquarters, itself soon to be updated, to arrive at … Continue reading Winfrith
Starting in the small hamlet of Silton, hidden in the northern corner of the Blackmore Vale, follow the medieval roads through the landscape to Bourton. Join the little River Stour and follow it up stream to remains of a bustling industry that kept the village alive. Skim the three corners of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset, … Continue reading Bourton and Wyndham’s Oak
