From the high peak of Beaminster Down, scattered with ancient tumuli, cross the common land to Kitwhistle Farm, named after the cry of the bird. Follow its farm tracks up the hill to the ridge with views overlooking the Marshwood Vale to the hillforts of Shipton, Coney’s, Lambert’s, Lewesdon and Pilsdon. Drop down into the natural Bowl of Beaminster, passing farms both standing and lost. Return weaving through the trees, climbing up the remains of a reservoir, to the ridge and back though the landscape of Beaminster Down.
Distance: 5miles/8km (2.5 miles/4km if sticking to the ridge route)
Time: 2-3 hours
Ability: Medium – tough terrain and a few steep climbs.
Max height: 820ft
Min height: 278ft
Total climb: 566ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Beaminster Down. (Postcode: DT8 3SG, Grid Reference: ST494034, What Three Words: frost.jets.uncouth).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
How to get there: Leave Beaminster on North Street and merge onto Higher Green. After climbing out the valley for about a mile, turn left at the crossroads passing Beaminster Down on the right. Take the next right hand lane to find a double layby, parking out the way of any passing traffic.
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 Fox Inn in Corscombe, Wynards Gap Inn in Chedington and a number of options in Beaminster
Neighbouring Walks: South Perrott, Corscombe, Hooke, Hooke Park, North Poorton, Parnham and Buckham Down.
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