Delve into the wild landscape of Powerstock Common. Rub shoulders with deer, boar and wild ponies before following the dismantled railway through the trees. Discover a number of railway remains, some abandoned and some reused, as well as Ganger’s Hut, originally a shelter for people, now a home for bats. Leave the forest to explore Wytherston, a once bustling hamlet that has since lost its chapel. The buildings were beginning to crumble before they were saved by a fashion designer; the designer recently decorated with a CBE and happy to open his gardens to the public this summer. Climb out of the valley, as the impressive Eggardon Hillfort rises up ahead, to return to the railway and forest. Discover wide open views from the forest’s peak before ending the walk via brickwork remains, the venture encouraged by a man whose lifesavings went into the development of the Bridport Railway.
Distance: 3 miles/5km
Duration: 2 hours
Ability: Easy. Steep climb up through Powerstock Forest.
Max Height: 550ft.
Min Height: 280ft.
Total climb: 300ft.
Terrain: Tracks and permissive paths (also possible as a bike ride along the bridleways and accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users along gravelled paths).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
Start Point: Powerstock Common Nature Reserve Car park (Postcode: DT2 0DW Grid Reference: SY546973, What Three Words: reported.quits.cuddling).
How to Get There: From Dorchester travel west on the A35. As you approach Winterborne Abbas, turn off the main road and continue straight onto the old Roman Road. Follow the same lane all the way to the top of the hill, meeting Eggardon Hill’s ramparts. Turn right and after a mile and a half, deep in the trees, turn left into the Nature Reserve car park. Another three spaces are available 20 metres up the track.
Dogs: To remain on leads throughout the nature reserve and all mess to be collected. Outside the reserve, adhere to the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Marquis of Lorne in Powerstock or The Chalk and Cheese in Maiden Newton.
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Hi thank you
yes it’s denise.wentworth@btinternet.com
My family bought me a years subscription for your walks a month ago. Since then apart from the first email i have been unable to access the whole of a walk.
I have received the first part of a walk in an email with a request to subscribe for the rest as below. I have also been unable to access your range of walks from your website. Is there is a password or code to get in that i have missed or maybe there should be an automatic recognition of my email?
i would be grateful for your help in this
Hi, I am sure we can work this out. Do you have an email I can contact you on please? Or feel free to contact me directly at tessofthevale@gmail.com