Wander through the wilder lands of Cranborne Chase. From the little whitewashed church at Chalbury, cross the old turnpike road into the Crichel estate. Follow the River Allen upstream past lost villages and the remnants of forgotten mills. Continue through the valley to the estate’s most crucial mill before reaching Stanbridge, an infamous river crossing once favoured by smugglers and highwaymen. Skim the edge of Stanbridge Mill and climb to the chalk ridge, where spiritual burial mounds crown the peaks. Weave through woodland and along medieval drove roads to return to Chalbury, set between earthworks and the traces of the ancient people who shaped the landscape.
Distance: 5miles/8km
Time: 2-3 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 363ft
Min height: 122ft
Total climb: 292ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads.
Start Point: All Saints church, Chalbury. (Postcode: BH21 7EY, Grid Reference: SU018068, What Three Words: compiled.symphonic.hometown).
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase.
How to Get There: From Blandford, travel north east on the A354. After about 5 and a half miles, turn right to Horton. Continue on the same road for just over 4 miles, passing the end of the Dorset Cursus, a collection of barrows and cutting through a Roman road. At the Horton Inn, turn right and then take the next left. Follow the road into Chalbury and the parking spot for the church will appear on the right.
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 Horton Inn between Wimborne and Cranborne or Drusillas Inn in Horton.
Neighbouring Walks: Gussage Down, Woodlands, Horton, Chalbury and Knowlton.
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