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 farms. Pass an artistic creation of garden design, which is a feast for the eyes, to return via lakes, woods and ruins to Stour Row.
Distance: 4 miles/6km
Duration: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 250ft.
Min Height: 187ft.
Total climb: 90ft.
Terrain: Track, path, road and field.
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne
Start Point: College Arms Close. (Postcode: SP7 0QG, Grid Reference: ST819210, What Three Words: glares.credible.rivals).
How to Get There: Leave Shaftesbury to the south west passing St James’ Church and turning down Foyle Hill. When the road splits, turn left onto Dover Street. Follow it for just under two miles, entering into Stour Row. Turn left, opposite the village Hall and onto College Arms Close, to park considerately.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Kings Arms in East Stour or The Crown in Marnhull.
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