From the large, golden stone village of Milborne Port, cross the county boundary out of Somerset and into Dorset. Meet the hedges of the lost London Road, its route heavily used until the introduction of the turnpikes. Enter the little hamlet of Goathill complete with its cave, church and old mill, and cross the river to Sherborne Estate. Enter back into Somerset skimming the bottom of Hanover Wood, with an almost guaranteed sighting of deer. Hear the roar of the A30, which began life as an amended turnpike cutting through the manor’s gardens, slicing avenues of oaks in two. Pass Venn Farm, famed for horse racing, and Venn House, famed for fashion, back into the village. Return through the old monastic precinct, now a large church surrounded by stone walls, which once towered over one of the most important settlements of the Saxon period.
Distance: 4miles/6.5km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 298ft
Min height: 210ft
Total climb: 93ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: East Street car park. Free, but light vehicles only. (Postcode: DT9 5DR, Grid Reference: ST678186, What Three Words: followers.spenders.furniture).
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne
How to get there: From Sherborne, travel east on the A30 out of town. Leave Dorset behind, following the stone wall of Sherborne Castle into Somerset and Milborne Port. Make your wat through the village to turn left onto East Street. Take the next right to enter the car park.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: None on route at present but nearby are The White Hart in Bishops Caundle, The Trooper Inn in Stourton Caundle and The Green Man in Kings Stag with other options are in Sherborne.
Neighbouring Walks: Sandford Orcas, Purse Caundle, Stourton Caundle, Sherborne and Holway.
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