Birdsmoorgate

From deep within Dorset’s valleys, brush the border with Devon. Skim past Sadborow Estate, its former owners once painted by Gainsborough, separated then reunited in Dorchester. Weave through woodland, cross gentle streams, and climb up into Marshwood, where views stretch across the vale to the distant sea. Among the hilltops of Pilsdon Pen and Lambert’s Castle, pass the quiet settlement of Birdsmoorgate, once home to a murderess said to have inspired Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Return over Paynes Down, where nearby trees mark the spot the Devil is said to have bounced, hurled from Forde Abbey into the waters of West Bay.

Distance: 3.5 miles/5.5km

Time: 2 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max height: 597ft

Min height: 300ft

Total climb: 386ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.

Start Point: Sadborow Lane. (Postcode: TA20 4PW, Grid Reference: ST372013, What Three Wordsvows.jumbled.employers).

Map: OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis and Bridport

How to get there: From the nearest town of Broadwindsor, take the B3164 west of the town, passing between the mighty ramparts of Lewesdon Hill and Pilsdon Pen. Cross straight over at the junction in Birdsmoorgate, then, after a mile or so, turn left onto Sadborow Lane. Drop down the hill, through the farm to find a layby on the right, at the end of the woods. Park carefully so 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: None on route but nearby is the freshly opened Bottle Inn in Marshwood while Home Farm is home to Gyle 59.

Neighbouring Walks:  Forde Abbey, Thorncombe, Laymore, Pilsdon Pen, Bettiscombe, Lamberts Castle, and Fishpond Bottom.