From Manston, deep in the Blackmore Vale, discover its little church and mausoleum, used to house perished loved ones until cremation was made legal. Wander across the floodplains of the River Stour to Fontmell Parva and its large 17th century country house. Climb up Porter’s Hill, using the little trackways that connected isolated farms, to Gallows Corner where Highwaymen were hung for all to see. Pass through Farrington with its abandoned church, neighbouring thatched cottages, converted barns and much more modern development. Return on Mowers Lane, running parallel with the Fontmell Brook, passing the sites of two lost mills and many forgotten orchards.
Distance: 4.5miles/7km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 262ft
Min height: 143ft
Total climb: 137ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads. Can get very boggy and at wet times of the year can flood!
Start Point: St Nicholas, Manston. (Postcode: DT10 1EX, Grid Reference: ST816151, What Three Words: loaning.prepare.punctuate).
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne and OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
How to get there: From Sturminster Newton, travel west out of town on the B3091 for about 2 miles. On entering Manston turn right and curve around the bend to the left to find the gateway to a parking area 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 Plough in Manston, The Saxon Inn in Child Okeford and The Talbot in Iwerne Minster.
Neighbouring Walks: Hinton St Mary, West Orchard, St Edward’s Way, Child Okeford, The Bull and The Swan.
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