From the little village of Iwerne Minster, climb up the chalk hills to views over the Blackmore Vale. Head between anciently farmed fields of the Iron Age and medieval periods, passing earthworks of a lost medieval farmstead and a Bulls Pit, to reach the causeway of Boyne’s Lane. Cross the historic route, used by King Alfred to reach Shaftesbury Abbey and the Normans to avoid the new hunting grounds, to views east over Cranborne Chase. Drop down past the oldest Deer park, and the newest palace, in the county to Stubhampton Bottom and weave through the trees up the wooded valley. Skim a million pound manor house, once a mere hunting lodge, to return to the views over the Blackmore Vale. Enter back into to Iwerne Mister as Hambledon Hill rises in the south.
Distance: 7miles/12km
Time: 3-4hours
Ability: Medium. Some steep climbs
Max height: 602ft
Min height: 255ft
Total climb: 743ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads. Suitable for bikes
Start Point: Start Point: Church Hill, Iwerne Minster. (Postcode: DT11 8LS, Grid Reference: ST868145, What Three Words: snow.breezy.quote).
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase.
How to Get There: From Blandford take the higher Shaftesbury road away from the town. After approximately 5 miles, pass the Talbot pub and turn right at the war memorial down Tower Hill. Take the second right onto Church Hill. Parking is opposite the church, being cautious not to block any access.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: In Iwerne Minster is The Talbot and nearby is The Cricketers in Shroton (Iwerne Courtney).
Neighbouring Walks: Iwerne Minster, Fontmell Magna, Compton Abbas Airfield, The Wessex Ridgeway I, Pimperne and Hod Hill.
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