Wander along the great natural divide between Dorset and Wiltshire, with wide views over the Nadder valley from Shaftesbury to Win Green. Follow the ancient Ox Drove, once travelled by herders moving livestock from Salisbury across the earthworks of Cranborne Chase to the lowlands of the Blackmore Vale. Twist with the bendiest road in Britain as you descend Zig Zag Hill into Cann Common. Cross the county border into Wiltshire and join the quiet country lanes grown from medieval drove roads once fed by the Ox Drove itself, before climbing back up to the high ridge.
Distance: 2.5miles/4km
Time: 1-2 hours
Ability: Medium. One big climb at the end. Careful of traffic on Zig Zag Hill.
Max height: 799ft
Min height: 515ft
Total climb: 324ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads.
Start Point: Charlton Down. (Postcode: unknown, Grid Reference: ST898207, What Three Words: outgoing.tuxedos.uttering).
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase.
How to get there: From Shaftesbury, take the B3081, Higher Blandford Road, south out of town. At Cann Common, turn left, cutting through the village and up Zig Zag Hill. Once at the top, parking park can be found on the right-hand side of the road.
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 several options are in Shaftesbury while to the south is Compton Abbas Airfield and The Fontmell in Fontmell Magna.
Neighbouring Walks: Wardour, Win Green, Compton Abbas, Fontmell Down, Melbury Abbas and Shaftesbury.
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