Starting at the source of the River Piddle, wander through the village of Alton Pancras. Two manors have combined to create the settlement pattern but little is left of both other than earthworks and gate posts. Follow the valley road between cottages, the old school and farms to Burnt House Bottom where a manor was destroyed to save the village from the plague. Climb out of the valley up to the ancient landscape of the Wessex Ridgeway. With views south over the interlocking spurs discover an Iron Age settlement, spiritual burial mounds and a possible Roman fort. Drop down the slopes, which split the Blackmore Vale from the River Frome, to return to the village passing the site of the long lost pub.
Distance: 3miles/5km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Ability: Medium – steep climb up West Hill.
Max height: 738ft
Min height: 405ft
Total climb: 362ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Barcombe Farm, Alton Pancreas. (Postcode: DT2 7RW, Grid Reference: ST699031, What Three Words: zooms.narrow.sensitive).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis.
How to get there: Leave Dorchester on the top Sherborne Road, skimming Charminster and staying high on the ridge for almost 6 miles. Turn right, down into the Piddle valley entering Piddletrenthide. Turn left on the B3143 and stay on the same road for about 2 miles through Alton Pancreas. Find the large layby for parking, on the right, just before leaving the village.
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 Brace of Pheasants in Plush, The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton and The Poachers Inn in Piddletrenthide.
Neighbouring Walks: Buckland Newton, Wessex Ridgeway II, Plush, Cerne Abbas and The Giant.
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