From the River Stour, enter the landscape of its tributaries. Climb to Sturminster Castle, a ruin that evolved from an Iron Age hillfort into a medieval manor house. Follow old drove roads with wide views across the Blackmore Vale to Duncliffe, before descending to the River Divelish, passing areas of modern development. Trace the Divelish to the old Rolls Mill and the bridge that once formed part of a turnpike road. Continue along the meandering watercourse towards Bagber to join the old Stalbridge Road. Return along the banks of the Stour to Sturminster Mill and the crucial historic crossing point at the bridge.
Distance: 3.5miles/5.5km
Time: 1-2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 298ft
Min height: 176ft
Total climb: 286ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads.
Start Point: Sturminster Newton Mill. (Postcode: DT10 2JQ, Grid Reference: ST782134, What Three Words: asked.lock.trick).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
How to get there: Leave Sturminster Newton by crossing over the River Stour and turn right. Take the next right hand turn and bear left to find the car park for the mill.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Toilets: Available at the Mill Car Park
Refreshments: None on route (sadly The Bull is currently closed) but nearby is The Swan in Sturminster Newton, The Green Man in King’s Stag and The Trooper in Stourton Caundle
Neighbouring Walks: The Swan, The Bull, The North Dorset Trailway, Hazelbury Bryan, Fifehead Neville, Okeford Fitzpaine, King’s Stag and Thornhill.
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