Explore the ancient hunting grounds of The White Hart and discover the isolated church of Holnest, once overshadowed by a vast mausoleum. Enter the softly tamed landscape, following old drove roads and skimming lakes and farms, bordered by towering oak trees. Cross the River Cam, where the legend of a doomed horse and cart still echoes through the trees. Enter dense woodland where the wild, deeply rutted ground was once considered wasteland by the king so became a refuge for religious hermits. Return with sweeping views back towards the church and the surrounding land, still used today to support those in need.
Distance: 4 miles/7km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 336ft.
Min height: 242ft.
Total climb: 123ft.
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads. Ground can be uneven and therefore a trip hazard in places. The area is also best avoided during wetter times, as it can quickly flood.
Start Point: Boys Hill Drove. (Postcode: DT9 5PL, Grid Reference: ST660101, What Three Words: wording.refreshed.cured).
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne as well as OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis.
How to get there: From Sherborne head south on the A352 through Longburton. After another mile or so, turn left onto Boys Hill. Curve past the farm, between the fields to shortly find a wide gateway, with space to park, on the right-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 are The Rose and Crown in Longburton and The Hunters Moon in Middlemarsh.
Neighbouring Walks: Longburton, Alweston, Bishops Caundle, Glanvilles Wootton, Hermitage, Leigh and Knighton.
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