From the Royal village of Tollard, sitting on the boundary of Dorset and Wiltshire, circle the famous Victorian gardens of the Larmer Tree. Start at the village pond, opposite a grumpy cart shed, to climb up to the church. Pass the terracotta coloured old manor of King John’s House, which began life as the Kings hunting lodge in the 12th century. Skim the church, filled with memorials to the ancient families that owned the land, before weaving through the trees and up to the gardens. Discover ruins in the woods that were once part of a unique visitor experience to then reach the peak and the modern folly of the Gronow-Davis Tower. Return via tracks, now more commonly used for festivals, over the county border and across the chalk slopes back into the village, tracing the steps of King John and his men after visiting the first great Larmer Tree.
Distance: 2.5 miles/4km
Duration: 1 hour
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 515ft.
Min Height: 356ft.
Total climb: 195ft.
Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads.
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
Start Point: The Pond, Tollard Royal. (Postcode: ST944178, Grid Reference: ST944178, What Three Words: bullion.snapping.shameless).
How to Get There: From Blandford travel north east on the A354. Turn left just before the roundabout, signposted for Sixpenny Handley. Stay on the same road to skim around the village and merge onto the B3081. Pass through the vast landscape of the Rushmore estate to arrive at Tollard Royal. Parking can be found on the right hand side, next to the pond.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: Just off the route is the King John Inn in Tollard Royal and nearby are The Museum in Farnham and Compton Abbas Airfield at the top of Fontmell Down. Neighbouring Walks: Compton Abbas Airfield, The Wessex Ridgeway, Win Green, Mistleberry and Chettle.
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