Explore the tracks and trails deep within the hunting heartland, but marshy waste ground, of what was once Blackmoor Regis. From the hamlet of Hermitage, having grown from an isolated priory, follow the old droveway used by both livestock and lords. Skim the source of the River Cam to Three Gates where an ancient road linked Iron Age hillforts then medieval abbeys. Pass the earthwork remains of Castle Hill and climb the bumps of the mysterious Gudgin’s Banks. Return through Hilfield, past its castellated manor which began life as a hunting lodge and entertained Thomas Hardy.
Distance: 4miles/6.5km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 475ft
Min height: 298ft
Total climb: 208ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads. Notoriously marshy ground so can get very wet and muddy!
Start Point: Hermitage Village Hall. (Postcode: DT2 7BB, Grid Reference: ST643068, What Three Words: erase.commands.munch).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis.
How to get there: From Sherborne travel south on the A352. Turn right, just as you enter Longburton, and stay on the same road along Bailey Ridge to the junction on the outskirts of Leigh. Turn left and take the next left hand turn into Hermitage. The village hall is on the left just after the small bend. Alternate parking can be found at the end of Stonerush Drove.
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 Chetnole Inn in Chetnole and The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton.
Neighbouring Walks: Leigh, Glanvilles Wotton, Lyons Gate, Batcombe and Chetnole.
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A lovely mix of boxes, signs and gates.