With no roads, no towns and only a scattering of farms wander the rural landscape of Tibbs Hollow. From views down to the site of a Roman villa, explore the high hills and enchanting forest that has remained a peaceful place since the Roman period. Drop down to the valley to discover the site of possibly the largest achievement of Roman engineering in Britain, now just scars in the slopes. Return through the ancient woodland, home to more earthworks of Roman activity and a 500 year old beech tree, to find one of the best woodland picnic spots in Dorset.
Distance: 1.3 miles/2km
Time: Under an hour
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 475ft
Min height: 270ft
Total climb: 212ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths and fields.
Start Point Tibbs Hollow. (Postcode: DT2 9NG, Grid Reference: SY619944, What Three Words: newer.ruling.enacts).
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 A37 to pass Stratton and Grimstone. Veer off to the left onto the A356 and into Frampton to then take the next left to Southover. Cross over the bridge and when the road bends to the right, head straight up the narrow lane. Continue the climb to then find Tibbs Hollow car park on the left hand side.
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, Muckleford, Bradford Peverell, Winterbourne Abbas and Compton Valance.
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