Duntish

Explore the forgotten lands of the Blackmore Vale. Begin high in the valley of the River Lydden, in the small hamlet of Duntish, and follow its winding streams through fields, farms, and pockets of ancient woodland. Pass through the little village of Buckland Newton, crossing its old ford, before climbing towards the edge of a medieval deer park. Skim the base of the Iron Age hillfort of Dungeon Hill, its ramparts reshaped by Edwardian imagination, and step into the lost landscape of Duntish Court, where crumbling ruins lie hidden beneath an ever-thickening canopy. Descend the slopes back into Duntish as the hills rise beyond, marking the southern boundary of the Vale.

Distance: 4miles/7km

Time: 2hours

Ability: Easy.

Max height: 498ft

Min height: 332ft

Total climb: 321ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.

Start Point: Duntish. (Postcode: DT2 7DX, Grid Reference: ST694064, What Three Words: crackled.mural.stunning).

Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas to Bere Regis

How to get there: From Sherborne travel south on the A352. Pass the lonely Holnest Church and take the next left signposted for Glanvilles Wootton. Stay on the same road through the village and all the way to the base of Dungeon Hill. Curve to the left, around the drive to Holnest Court, and turn right at the next T-junction. Enter the small hamlet of Duntish to find space for parking on the left hand side.

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 Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton and The Brace of Peasants in Plush.

Neighbouring Walks: Glanvilles Wootton, Pulham, Buckland Newton, Alton Pancras, Dogbury and Lyons Gate.