Farnham to Chettle

Wander through the estate of Augustus Pitt Rivers via his village and famous Victorian museum. Discover the roofed stocks and well house, complete with winding cogs, before reaching the church. Pass the smartly designed building which housed thousands of his prehistoric finds, guarded by gates from the demolished Eastbury House. Follow medieval droveways, used by many a smuggler, over the hills to Chettle and its own manor surrounded by thatched cottages unchanged over the centuries. Climb up the slopes to the mysterious Eastbury Park, entering an ancient landscape surrounded by Iron Age settlements and Roman roads, the land apparently haunted by a vampire. Return with views over Rushmore Park and the brightly coloured Gronow-Davis’ folly, to the whitewashed cottages of Farnham.

Distance: 5.5 miles/9km

Duration: 2-3 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 390ft.

Min Height: 250ft.

Total climb: 400ft.

Terrain: Track, path, road and field.

Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase.

Start Point: The Museum Inn, Farnham. (Postcode: DT11 8DE, Grid Reference: ST958151, What Three Words: dispose.unfilled.snore).

How to get there: From Blandford, head north east on the A354. After about 5 miles, passing though Pimperne and Tarrant Hinton, turn left onto Millers Lane (circling Isaac Gulliver’s smuggling house). Stay on the same road for just over a mile to then turn left into Farnham. Plenty of parking spaces along the road will appear when you reach the pub.

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

Refreshments:  The Museum Inn at the start and finish of the walk.

Neighbouring Walks: Mistleberry, Gussage Down, Long Crichel and the Dorset Cursus, Tarrant Gunville, and Win Green