Admire the quiet valley of the little River Cerne as it deeply carves its way through the chalk hills. Beginning at the farmstead of Nether Cerne, discover its hidden church and manor house, once under the influence of the mighty Cerne Abbey. Follow the river downstream before climbing to the ridge that divides the Cerne from its neighbouring Piddle valley. Walk along the high ground to woodland where traces of ancient agricultural practices still shape the landscape today. Finally, drop back down into the valley to return to the church and village, as the River Cerne gently borders the narrow entrance lane.
Distance: 2 miles/3km
Time: 1 hour
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 672ft.
Min height: 310ft.
Total climb: 398ft.
Terrain: Tracks, paths and fields.
Start Point: Nether Cerne Farm. (Postcode: DT2 7AJ, Grid Reference: SY670983, What Three Words: waxing.upward.canine).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis.
How to get there: From Dorchester, head north west on the A37 to shortly turn off to the right, through Charminster, on the A352. After approximately 4 miles turn right, signposted for Nether Cerne, to find space for parking on the left, being careful not to obstruct farm traffic.
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 are The Poacher’s Inn in Piddletrenthide, The Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton, The New Inn in Cerne Abbas and The Greyhound Inn in Sydling St Nicholas
Neighbouring Walks: Cerne Abbas, Piddletrenthide, Piddlehinton, Charlton Down and Stratton.
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
Been there, done that. I’ll do it again but go clockwise next time as the views are always different from different directions.