Circle the grand estate of Thornhill which dates back to the 13th century, was adorned with paintings to match St Paul’s Cathedral and had an obelisk erected in the deer park to celebrate the ascension of King George II. Wander through the valleys of the Caundle Brook and Lydden as they carve their way through the fields of the Blackmore Vale to the River Stour. Pass an old lost railway line and a bridge built for tanks as they left to fight in the Second World War, before returning to the little village of Lydlinch.
Distance: 5.5 miles/ 8.5km
Time: 3hours
Ability: Medium. Some difficulties with access/errors with OS information (e.g. lost footbridge, hidden stiles etc. See text for more info).
Max height: 320ft
Min height: 172ft
Total climb: 345ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads. Can get very overgrown, unmaintained.
Start Point: Lydlinch Common, Holebrook Lane (Postcode: DT10 2JA, Grid Reference: ST743135, What Three Words: calibrate.sniff.disputes).
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil to Sherborne
How to get there: From Sturminster Newton, cross over the bridge and turn right on the A357. Stay on the same road for about 2 miles to enter Lydlinch. Take the next left hand turning onto Holebrook Lane to find parking for the Common on the right.
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 Trooper in Stourton Caundle, The White Hart in Bishops Caundle, The Green Man in Kings Stag and The Bull in Sturminster Newton. There is also the new Spire Hill Cafe placed below the Obelisk.
Neighbouring Walks: Stalbridge, Marnhull, The Swan, The Bull, Fifehead Neville, Stock Gaylard and Stourton Caundle.
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