Start at the beautiful, bygone and bustling building of Athelhampton, sitting on the banks of the River Piddle in Hardy’s Vale of the Great Dairies. Follow the river as it flows downstream, the clear, sparkling waters having influenced both poets and writers in stories that are still read today. Cross earthworks of a Roman Road, once marched by soldiers, now buried by nature. Meet the remains of a medieval park pale that penned in the deer for the hunting gentry, but now run free across the landscape. Wander up to the thick woodland that sits on the hilltop, lined with tall pine trees, giant beech and ancient oaks. Their hefty trunks circle the many naturally deep sinkholes and raised ancient burial mounds, while the floor can be carpeted in bluebells. Discover the stone dedicated to a war hero and a memorial garden for contemplation. Pass farms and manors, many ruined then repaired, through narrow paths and open fields all with wide open views across south and west Dorset.
Distance: 4.5 miles/7km
Duration: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 350ft.
Min Height: 160ft.
Total climb: 340ft.
Terrain: Track, path, road and field.
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
Start Point: Athelhampton House. (Postcode: DT2 7LG, Grid Reference: SY769942, What Three Words: overcomes.spend.dreamer.
How to Get There: From Dorchester, travel east on the A35. Turn off at the Puddletown roundabout and head into the village. At the T-Junction, turn left and Athelhampton appears on the left in about a mile.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: At the start and finish of the walk is the The Coach House Restaurant (open to the public the same hours as the house). Nearby is The Blue Vinny in Puddletown. The Martyrs Inn in Tolpuddle is currently closed.
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We really enjoyed this walk. It’s shorter than other TessoftheVale circuits so we started from Tolpuddle (Martyrs Inn) and joined the walk at Southover Farm. The best moment was when the views opened out South and West after emerging from the Southover woods. But there’s plenty to enjoy, woods, open fields and the river valleys. We read the Odgen Nash poem quoted in the guide out loud as we strolled back along the Piddle. We gave this one 9/10…
Yay, thank you, another 9/10! I’m preparing myself for a 4!😝