Venture deep into the medieval hunting ground of the White Hart. Follow the hoof prints of the King’s stag, the legend of which still echos in the landscape today. Pass lost settlements, through fields carved out of the forest, to skim mills turned into million pound manor houses. Explore the old trackways, sliced into ancient woodland, following the River Lydden as it flows through the Blackmore Vale to the mighty River Stour.
Distance: 5 miles/8km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 300ft.
Min Height: 225t.
Total climb: 275ft.
Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads. Can get overgrown so be prepared for a little struggle at times!
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne and OS Explorer 117 Bere Regis and Cerne Abbas.
Start Point: The Green Man. (Postcode: DT10 2AY, Grid Reference: ST723104, What Three Words: tourist.cheerily.petrified).
How to Get There: From Sturminster Newton, cross over the River Stour and turn right onto the A357. Travel through Lydlinch and take the next right hand turn signposted for Sherborne. Pass Stock Gaylard deer park on the right and turn left to King’s Stag. The pub sits at the other end of the village on the right hand side of the crossroads.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: At the start and finish of the walk is The Green Man and nearby are The Halsey Arms in Pulham and The Antelope in Hazelbury Bryan.
Neighbouring Walks: Stock Gaylard, Fifehead Neville, Hazelbury Bryan, Dungeon Hill, Glanvilles Wotton and Bishop’s Caundle.
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Tried to do this walk yesterday but unfortunately we couldn’t.
“ Turn left onto the bridleway alongside Windmill Cottage and follow it to the end. Continue straight ahead into the open field and stick to the boundary on the right to the gate in the far corner.”
After following the bridleway to the end we came to 3 fields, none were ‘open’ they were all full of cattle with electric fences.
Maybe this is a better walk for when cattle are not out?
Thank you for forwarding on this information, I will look into it. It is unfortunate sometimes that electric wires are inserted with speed with the animals in mind before the footpaths. But, it is a tricky spot as the OS claims that the footpath is on the right of the hedge and, at the time, I was clearly guided to the left to then arrive at the gate in the corner (not accessible on the other side). I will double check with the council and amend the walk appropriately, amending slightly for now.
This is right at the start of the walk too! Hopefully you enjoyed the pub and road!
I apologise for the inconvenience but fully appreciate the update.
Catherine