Discover the wide open, ancient royal hunting grounds of Cranborne Chase. Climb up the chalk hills to view the landscape loved and worshiped by our ancestors. Follow the footsteps of the Neolithic over their earthworks and into the Iron Age. Cross the mysterious Dorset Cursus to reach the impressive Roman Road of Ackling Dyke. Trace the soldier’s military route up to Bottlebush Down, apparently haunted by a mad man armed with a weapon and riding on horseback. Return over the chalk ridge, passing barrows that contained numerous headless skeletons, to the village of Sixpenny Handley where the notorious smuggler Isaac Gulliver was wed.
Distance: 7 miles/11km
Duration: 2-4 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 375ft.
Min Height: 200ft.
Total climb: 400ft.
Terrain: Tracks, bridleways and roads. Suitable for bikes.
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
Start Point: Deans Lane, Sixpenny Handley. (Postcode: SP5 5QJ, Grid Reference: SU000172, What Three Words: bleaching.carrots.chipper).
How to Get There: From Blandford, travel north east on eh A354, passing through Pimperne, Tarrant Hinton and Chettle. At Handley Cross roundabout, take the first exit signposted for Sixpenny Handley. Take the first right in the village onto Deans Lane to find parking along the side of the road.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: On route is The Penny Tap in Sixpenny Handley and nearby is The Museum Inn in Farnham.
Neighbouring Walks: Win Green, Mistleberry, Bokerley Ditch, Gussage Down and Farnham.
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