Circle the mysterious landscape of Launceston Down. Climb up from the valley of the Crichel Brook onto Crichel Down, which was thrust into national debate during the post‑war fight over land. Step into the earthwork‑rich Launceston Down, scattered with unexplained humps and hollows that have shaped boundaries for centuries. With long views up the Tarrant Valley towards a newly built palace, pass the former toll house before crossing the old turnpike road. Drop back into the river valley beneath the shadow of the Dorset Cursus, the vast prehistoric monument set between the celebrated ceremonial landscapes of Stonehenge and Flagstones.
Distance: 4miles/6.5km
Time: 2-3 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 400ft
Min height: 182ft
Total climb: 264ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads.
Start Point: Veiny Cheese Pond. (Postcode: DT11 8BZ, Grid Reference: ST962115, What Three Words: sheet.treatable.rosier).
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
How to get there: From Blandford take the A354 towards Salisbury. After passing through Tarrant Hinton, take the next right-hand turn to shortly find the track to Veiny Cheese Pond on the left.
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 Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton and The Horton Inn between Wimborne and Cranborne.
Neighbouring Walks: Chettle, Long Crichel, Tarrant Monkton and Tarrant Gunville.
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