From a little ruin of a lime kiln, embedded in the slopes, climb up to the South Dorset Ridgeway. Pass stone circles, dolmen, megaliths and barrows all in the company of wide open views of the Jurassic Coastline. Dip down into the wooded valley of the 17th century Gorwell Farm, surrounded by stone barns, steep slopes and a little stream. Climb back up to the South Dorset Ridgeway for Chesil Beach, Lyme Bay and the isolated St Catherine’s Chapel to come into view. Take the ancient holloways into the monastic village of Abbotsbury before returning to their old lime kiln, over the earthworks that scar the landscape.
Distance: 4.5miles/7km
Time: 2-3 hours
Ability: Medium, some tough climbs.
Max height: 690ft
Min height: 175ft
Total climb: 537ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Bishop’s Lime Kiln. (Postcode: DT3 4LD, Grid Reference: SY587858, What Three Words: disgraced.arrives.clicker).
Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset
How to get there: Leave the heart of Abbotsbury on the narrow Back Lane, squeezing between the cottages and bungalows out of the village. Merge onto Bishop’s Road and climb up the hill for about half a mile. A small clump of trees hides the entrance to the car park on the left.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: Just off the route in Abbotsbury is The Swan Inn and The Ilchester Arms.
Toilets: Available on Back Street in the centre of Abbotsbury.
Neighbouring Walks: Abbotsbury, St Luke’s, Little Bredy, Valley of the Stones, Portesham, Rodden and Abbotsbury Railway.
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