Broadmayne

Set in a landscape once dominated by a Neolithic stone circle, explore the village of Broadmayne. Head out to West Knighton, where the fields were once filled with troops preparing for the Second World War. Follow ancient trackways down to Little Mayne, where the stone circle once stood, its stones now scattered and hidden within walls and fields. Cross the route of the old turnpike road to climb towards the Ridgeway, where the skyline is marked by Bronze Age burial mounds. Skim the edge of this ancient landscape, sometimes known as a place of fairies, to return to the village along old drove roads, passing weathered barns and through Conway Drive, where Bronze Age burials were uncovered.

Distance: 3.25miles/5km

Time: 1-2 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max height: 270ft

Min height: 165ft

Total climb: 217ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads.

Start Point: St Martin’s Church. (Postcode: DT2 8UJ, Grid Reference: SY728866, What Three Words: planet.shameless.petty).

Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset

How to get there: From Dorchester, travel south west on the A352, through Whitcombe to Broadmayne. Parking can be found, on the left, outside the church.

Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.

Refreshments Just off route is The Black Dog and nearby is The New Inn in West Knighton and The Springhead in Sutton Poyntz.

Neighbouring Walks:  West Stafford, West Knighton, Warmwell, Osmington Mills, and Batcombe.