Explore the high ground between Hilfield and Up Cerne, following tracks and paths across an exposed landscape. Skim the old Friary and village of Batcombe to the lonely yet mysterious Cross and Hand Stone. Climb Gore Hill, shaped by centuries of farming, movement and manorial estates with glimpses down the valley to the Cerne Abbas Giant. Discover the Devil’s Kitchen topped by the lost Keeper’s Cottage, tracing the prehistoric boundaries and old routes across the Dorset Downs, with sweeping views over the Cerne and Sydling rivers.
Distance: 3.5miles/5.5km
Time: 1-2hrs
Ability: Easy, one steep climb.
Max height: 882ft
Min height: 561ft
Total climb: 327ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and roads.
Start Point: Hilfield Nature Reserve (restricted width of 2.2 metres), other laybys nearby. (Postcode: DT2 7BE, Grid Reference: ST636039, What Three Words: technical.recorders.loud).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
How to get there: Travel north on Long Ash Lane (A37) from Dorchester for about 9 miles. Turn right, just after the George Albert Hotel, following the road to a T-junction. Turn right along the ridge to pass the turning to Batcombe. The car park can be found on the left just after the turning to Hilfield.
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 Hunter’s Inn in Middlemarsh, The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton and a number of options are in Cerne Abbas.
Neighbouring Walks: Batcombe, Hilfield, Hermitage, Lyon’s Gate, Up Cerne, and Up Sydling.
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The red sign had a crown originally to reflect the bulbous stone but this was removed in 2015. The replacement has included a finial instead.