Parnham

From the golden stone town of Beaminster, follow the little river Brit to the skeletal remains of Parnham House. Walk through the Deer park, once cordoned off as a crime scene, up the hill and into the woods. Discover a deeply carved Holloway, its route cut into the landscape by generations of both hooves and cartwheels. The gnarly tree roots, acting as trunks, grow out the fern lined walls that could easily compete with the more famous Hell Lane. Pass the hilltop site of a burial ground for those that suffered from the plague, its location decided by a skirmish between two parishes, the procession marked with the Posy Tree. Return through the narrow, wooded river valley and up the earthwork scarred Storridge Hill to views back across Beaminster to Buckham Down.

Distance:  5 miles/8km  

Duration: 2-3 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 490ft.

Min Height: 155ft.

Total climb: 475ft.

Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads. Can get very in muddy in places and there is a ford to cross.

Map: OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis to Bridport

Start Point: Yarn Barton Car park. (Postcode: DT8 3DR, Grid Reference: ST481014, What Three Words: drummers.glassware.shipyards).

How to Get There:  From Bridport travel north on the B3066 for approximately 5 miles. On entering Beaminster stay on the same road to curve around to the Square and turn right onto Fleet Street. Turn right again to arrive at Yarn Barton Car Park.

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

Toilets: At the entrance to Yarn Barton Car Park.

Refreshments: Along the route is The Red Lion and Greyhound in Beaminster and nearby is The New Inn in Stoke Abbott.

Neighbouring Walks: Netherbury, Buckham Down, North Poorton, Hooke and Melpash.

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