Pentridge

Wander through the wide and wild landscape of Cranborne Chase. Starting in the hidden village of Pentridge, set deep within the medieval Royal hunting grounds, climb up the hill to Penbury Knoll. Discover Bronze Age burial mounds alongside Romano British Settlement, cut by Roman Roads and haunted turnpikes. Drop down to the little Bowldish Pond, crossed by an old stone bridge, before rising up to the ancient cemetery of numerous Bronze Age earthworks on Oakley Down. Return over the mysterious Dorset Cursus, a 7 mile landscape phenomenon that puts Stonehenge to shame.

Distance: 6 miles/9km

Time: 3-4 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max height: 525ft

Min height: 255ft

Total climb: 360ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.

Start Point: St Rumbold’s Church, Pentridge. (Postcode: SP5 5QX, Grid Reference: SU033178, What Three Words: monday.rockets.merge).

Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase

How to get there: From Blandford travel north east on the A354 towards Salisbury. After approximately 10 miles turn right onto Bowling Green Lane, signposted for Pentridge. Follow the windy road, merging onto Morgan’s Lane, to a T-junction. Turn right into the village and onto Earthpits Lane. Take the next right to arrive at the church.

Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.

Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Sheaf of Arrows and The Fleur De Lys Inn in Cranborne and The Museum in Farnham.

Neighbouring Walks: Mistleberry, Bokerley Ditch, Cranborne and Sixpenny Handley.