Kingcombe

Wander through the hidden valley forgotten in time. Small fields are surrounded by wildlife rich, thick boundaries while the sound of the gushing Hooke River fills the air. Darting deer scatter the sheep filled slopes amongst the old barns of the old farms. Climb high up the hills to views over a deserted Rampisham Down, once filled with towers serving the BBC world service, while on the opposite peak is Mount Pleasant an ironically named medieval dumping ground.

Distance:  2.5miles/4km

Duration: 1-2 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 649ft.

Min Height: 387ft.

Total climb: 302ft.

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, roads and a ford (wellies required). There is an extensive outdoor ‘exploration area’ suitable for mobility scooters when ground conditions permit at the Kingcombe Centre.

Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis

Start Point: The Kingcombe Centre. (Postcode: DT2 0EQ, Grid Reference: SY554990, What Three Words: forgotten.rental.being).

How to Get There: From Dorchester, travel North West on the A356. Make your way through Maiden Newton, up the hill the other side, passing the turning to Toller Fratrum and take the next left towards Toller Porcorum. Take the first right onto Kingcombe Road and after a mile turn right to enter the Kingcombe Centre.

Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route. On leads throughout the Nature Reserve.

Refreshments: At the start and finish of the walk is The Kingcombe Centre. Opening times: Wednesday to Friday between 11am – 2:30pm, and Saturday to Sunday between 10:30am – 3pm.

Toilets: Available at The Kingcombe Centre

Neighbouring walks: Evershot, Cattistock, Toller Porcorum, Powerstock Forest, North Poorton and Hooke.