Explore the ancient woodland, glistening stream, open meadows and varied wildlife of Brackett’s Coppice. Weave between ancient Oaks and the once common Wild Service Trees, along paths permitted by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Follow the valley up into Higher Halstock, skimming the boundary with Somerset. Pass through fields and farms as the rivers flow towards Sutton Bingham Reservoir. Return along Common Lane, part of the ancient Harrow Way which claims to be the oldest route of the country. Connecting Kent to the South West it passes Stonehenge and, more locally, a Roman villa and the Devil’s Armchair, before reaching the sea.
Distance: 4.5miles/7km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Medium. Tricky terrain in Brackett’s Coppice.
Max height: 545ft
Min height: 243ft
Total climb: 402ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads. Can get muddy. Some footpaths difficult to follow.
Start Point: Brackett’s Coppice, Rye Water Lane. (Postcode: DT2 0QF, Grid Reference: ST515066, What Three Words: diner.outlooks.conceals).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
How to get there: How to Get There: From Sherborne, take the Bradford Road to Bradford Abbas, veering off to the left to the village. Head straight down the road and turn right after crossing the small bridge. On entering Stoford turn left. Turn right onto the A37, follow it around the tight bend and take the next left hand turn. Cross over the northern corner of Sutton Bingham reservoir to then follow its western edge straight into Halstock. When the road splits, turn right onto Leigh Lane, staying on the same lane for nearly 2 miles. At the next triangle, veer off to the left onto Rye Water Lane. Continue through the trees, over a bridge to find parking on the left hand side of the road at the southern entrance of DWT’s Brackett’s Coppice.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code. On leads through Brackett’s Coppice
Refreshments: None on route but nearby is The Winyard’s Gap Inn at Winyard’s Gap and The Fox Inn in Corscombe.
Neighbouring Walks: Winyard’s Gap, Halstock, East Chelborough, and Corscombe.
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