Hazelbury Bryan

Wander around the small hamlets that combine to make the parish of Hazelbury Bryan. From escaping the Black Death and the flames they used to extinguish it, the settlement has shifted away from the church leaving it isolated and alone. Skim the tip of the valley of the River Lydden that fed the old mill, now the home of Charles Allsopp, 6th Baron Hindlip, or otherwise known as the TV presenter Kirsty Allsopp’s father. Pass the Antelope Inn, named after the wildlife hunted by royalty in the long-gone ancient forest, and the war memorial before clambering the fields and fences, with vast views across the vale, back to Droop.

Distance:  4 miles/6km

Duration: 2 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 350ft.

Min Height: 252ft.

Total climb: 170ft.

Terrain: Track, path, road and field.

Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis

Start Point: St Mary & St James Church car park, Droop. (Postcode: DT10 2ED, Grid Reference: ST752082, What Three Words: ownership.nooks.reviews).

How to Get There: From Sturminster Newton, cross over the Stour and turn right. Take the next left up Glue Hill and remain on the road for 4 miles. Turn left at the War memorial and continue down Pidney Hill. In about 1 mile, turn left after the school and the car park is on the right hand side.

Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.

Refreshments: On the route is The Antelope Inn and nearby is The Bull Tavern in Sturminster Newton or The Green Man in Kings Stag.