Wander through the hidden woodland of Holway in Castleton, the parish that wraps itself around the town of Sherborne, and home to two castles. Curve with the slopes through ancient woodland and pine trails to Sherborne golf course. Follow the little lanes and stone pathed routes past the site of a Roman farmstead up to Charlock Hill, topped with a mast transmitting music to many. Return along Patson Hill Lane, the old route fading into the forest, to exit with views into Somerset and the rising hilltop of Cadbury Castle.
Distance: 4 miles/6km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Medium. Lots of ups and downs.
Max height: 545ft
Min height: 243ft
Total climb: 623ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Holway Woods. (Postcode: DT9 4RZ, Grid Reference: ST632204, What Three Words: working.quench.stickler).
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne
How to get there: From Sherborne travel north on the B3145 Wincanton road. After approximately two miles veer off to the left at the red post towards Corton Denham and then take the next left down into Holway Woods. Continue to follow the narrow lane down the hill to the first parking spot at the quarry on the right or on to the second parking at the layby on the left of the bend.
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 Mitre Inn in Sandford Orcas, The Rose and Crown in Trent and The Tipping Philosopher in Milborne Port.
Neighbouring Walks: Sandford Orcas, Sherborne, Longburton, Thornford, Nether Compton and Trent.
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