Explore the small valley of St Gabriel, following the footsteps of royal ancestors and enchanting saints. From the busy A35, cutting through the village of Morcombelake, dip down the slopes from the river’s source. Skim the holy well of St Wite, the little spring constantly flowing and believed to have magical healing properties. Discover the lost village of Stanton St Gabriel, exposed to the elements thrown from the sea, just inland from the unstable Jurassic Coastline. Pass the lonely thatched farmhouse to find its ruined church, once used by smugglers for storage. Climb back up the valley under the shadows of wild Stonebarrow, earthwork ridden Hardown Hill and the highest point on the South Coast, Golden Cap, to return to the original home of Moores Biscuits and their famous Dorset Knob.
Distance: 3miles/5km
Time: 1-2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 465ft
Min height: 162ft
Total climb: 347ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: A35. (Postcode: DT6 6DW, Grid Reference: SY406938, What Three Words: minus.stove.coasting).
Map: OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis and Bridport
How to get there: From Bridport merge onto the A35, travelling west through Chideock. Skim the woods of Golden Cap and after entering the village a large layby is outside the old Moores Biscuits factory.
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 is The Anchor Inn at Seatown and the Clock Inn in Chideock.
Neighbouring Walks: Stanton St Gabriel, Morcombelake, Symmondsbury, Colmer’s Hill, Allington, Chideock, Charmouth and Wootton Fitzpaine.
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