Holywell

Weave through the hidden paths, between interlocking spurs, high up in the valley of the River Frome. From a tunnel, carved into the chalk, climb out of the valley to drop back down to the river where sheep were once washed. Merge onto the old road, passing ruins of lives gone by, to Frome St Quinton, with an option to visit the church. Fight brambles and ferns to uncover a plank bridge into the landscape of Chantmarle. Cross the elegant Tess Bridge, past the 17th century manor, experiencing a period of change, to then enter back into the countryside. Cross fields and farms to Evershot and its ancient stones, returning to Holywell over the hill and passing the site of the lost railway station.

Distance: 6.5miles/10.5km

Time: 3-4 hours

Ability: Hard. Footpaths can be hard to find, terrain can get very boggy in places and any footpaths that could create shortcuts are blocked.

Max height: 652ft

Min height: 410ft

Total climb: 453ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.

Start Point: Holywell. (Postcode: DT2 0LG, Grid Reference: DT2 0LG, What Three Words: refrained.strides.storyline).

Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis

How to get there: From Dorchester travel north east on the A37 for approximately 10 miles. Having dropped down the hill, turn left to Holywell, to find parking in a layby after the railway bridge.

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 Acorn Inn in Evershot, The Fox and Hounds in Cattistock and The Giant Inn in Cerne Abbas.

Neighbouring Walks:  Bubb Hill, Batcombe, Up Sydling, Frome St Quintin, Rampisham and Melbury Park.