Under the shadow of Melbury Beacon, follow the magical, healing springs of the Fontmell Brook. Starting at the waterfalls and lakes of Collyer’s Brook, with towering earthworks on the slopes to the east, enter into a hidden corner of the Blackmore Vale. Passing medieval fishponds and wild nature reserves, with views to Hambledon Hillfort, discover the hamlet of Bedchester. Join its crossroads of ancient tracks, neighboured by a fading little chapel, to then head down to Piper’s Mill, one of three that were once fed by the small stream. Wander through the open fields before returning to Fontmell Magna, its village pump and Gossip Tree, both a forum for chatter.
Distance: 3.5miles/5km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy. But the mud can make it sticky!
Max height: 375ft
Min height: 231ft
Total climb: 157ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads. Can get very muddy!
Start Point: Collyer’s Nature Reserve. (Postcode: SP7 0NU, Grid Reference: ST869168, What Three Words: acid.poems.homelands).
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
How to get there: From Blandford take the lower Shaftesbury road (A350) heading through Stourpaine and Iwerne Minster. Turn right off the main road at Fontmell Magna, opposite The Fontmell pub, heading towards Ashmore. The reserve is approximately 400 metres along the road on the right.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: The Fontmell is on the route while nearby is The Talbot Inn in Iwerne Minster and the Plough Inn in Manston.
Neighbouring Walks: Guys Marsh, St Edwards Way, Melbury Abbas, Iwerne Minster, Fontmell Parva and West Orchard.
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.