From a nature reserve that has grown from a chalk quarry, carved into the steep slopes, discover the little, lost hamlet of Muckleford. Follow the floodplains of the River Frome to the cursed estate of Frampton Court with its decorative Peacock Bridge, claimed to have been built by Christopher Wren. Leave the medieval landscape behind to enter the Roman, where they created a reservoir to feed their mighty aqueduct. Trace the earthworks out of the valley to the crumbling barns of Higher Skippet Farm and return with views of the cupolas of Prince William’s newly acquired Poundbury, peeking over the horizon.
Distance: 5 miles/8km
Time: 2-3 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 517ft
Min height: 275ft
Total climb: 256ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point Muckleford Nature Reserve. (Postcode: DT2 9DY, Grid Reference: SY640931, What Three Words: frown.little.known).
Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset or OS 117 Cerne Abbas to Bere Regis
How to get there: From Dorchester, travel north west on the A35 to pass Stratton. Take the next left hand turning, signposted for Muckleford. Stay on the same little lane to about half a mile to find the entrance to the Nature Reserve down a track on a sharp bend. Park carefully without blocking access.
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 Chalk and Cheese in Maiden Newton, The White Horse Inn in Litton Cheney and The Duchess of Cornwall in Poundbury.
Neighbouring Walks: Stratton, Bradford Peverell, Winterbourne Abbas, Compton Valance and Tibbs Hollow.
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