Buckhorn Weston

A trek you can time with the trains! Starting in the little village of Buckhorn Weston, climb the earthwork covered slopes to the top of the hill with wide open views across the Blackmore Vale. Walk through a landscape of champions as you pass the original National Stud to Tunnel Head. The old race tracks scatter the fields while the train tracks cut directly under the ridge; the hill delaying development to the west for a year. Time it with the train from London to Sherborne to then cut though Harding’s Farm to return to the tracks the same time as the Sherborne to London train. Delve down, deep into the valley of the little Filley Brook to follow its meandering path past crumbling barns and over stone bridges. Meet the tracks for the last time, just as the second London to Sherborne train passes above on its own journey. Return to the village, with The Stapleton Arms and the old School House in the centre, to arrive back at the church with the oldest scratch dial of the county etched into the west tower, dated 1599.

Distance:  4.5 miles/7km

Duration: 2/3 hours

Ability: Easy (biggest climb at the start).

Max Height: 415ft.

Min Height: 205ft.

Total climb: 450ft.

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.

Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil to Sherborne

Start Point: Pound Lane, Church Hill, Buckhorn Weston (Postcode: SP8 5HS, Grid Reference: ST756247, What Three Words: receiving.contexts.scooters).

How to Get There: From Shaftesbury, travel east on the A30 for nearly 7 miles. After driving through West Stour, turn off to the right, signposted to Sandley and Bourton. Stay on the same small country lane for about a mile to turn left down Hartmoor Hill, towards Buckhorn Weston.  Turn right at the T-junction, head under the railway bridge to enter the village and onto Church Hill. At the church, turn left onto Pound Lane, with space to park alongside the graveyard wall.

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

Refreshments: On route is The Stapleton Arms or nearby is the Ship Inn in West Stour.