From the home of Dorset’s most famous poet discover the landscape that was the inspiration for Stonehenge. Drop down into the meadows of the River Frome, crossing the oldest railway of the county. Follow the river downstream to West Stafford skimming the home of an Oscar winning film director. Weave with the little river of the South Winterborne around the base of Whitcombe Hill, where treasures of warriors have been unearthed. Wander along the old turnpike to the historically female dominated Came House to return to Dorchester on the trumped medieval road, passing the site of the original toll house that gave Max Gate its name.
Distance: 4.5miles/7.5km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 269ft
Min height: 152ft
Total climb: 155ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Max Gate. (Postcode: DT1 2AB, Grid Reference: SY703898, What Three Words: crust.thread.bombshell).
Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset.
How to get there: From Dorchester take the B3144 south west out of town. Cross over the bypass and take the first exit off the roundabout. Turn left onto the dead end road to find parking along its edge.
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 Wise Man in West Stafford and the New Inn in West Knighton.
Neighbouring Walks: Stinsford, West Stafford, Bincombe, Upwey, Maiden Castle, Poundbury and Fordington.
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