Colmer’s Hill

From the little village of Symondsbury, walk along the permissive paths of the estate to Dorset’s most impressive Holloways. Hidden deep within the sandstone and amongst the roots of trees, it creates a secret and mystical atmosphere. Climb to the top of Colmer’s Hill, to stand at the peak, in the centre of the pine … Continue reading Colmer’s Hill

Dorset Parish List

Tess of the Vale has grown into a library of more than 375 adventures. Miles of footpaths, bridleways, byways and permissive tracks across the countryside have been recorded, with, as of September 2026 - all parishes complete. Yet the 'project' is still far from finished. Even if every parish is ticked off, there will always … Continue reading Dorset Parish List

The Big Map of Dorset

The Big Map of Dorset is a hand drawn, to scale map of the whole county. It is drawn using pen and pencil onto four separate canvases, adding up to a total size of approximately 2 metres by 2 metres. The map records only a simple selection of earthworks, woodland, water, roads, tracks and settlement. … Continue reading The Big Map of Dorset

Worth Matravers and Dancing Ledge

From the Mason's pub of the Square and Compass, in the limestone village of Worth Matravers, discover the caves of Winspit. Looking out to sea, the ghost like movie set was once a bustle of activity providing stone for the most prestigious of buildings all over the world. Follow the paths of local smugglers and … Continue reading Worth Matravers and Dancing Ledge

Coombe Heath and Lulworth Estate

For Camp Bestival see bottom of page. From a hidden location, buried in woodland and scattered with ancient barrows, take advantage of Lulworth Estate’s permissive paths through private grounds, filled with a number of romantic buildings all in different states of repair. Discover the wide open lake with a secret boathouse and fort dressed in … Continue reading Coombe Heath and Lulworth Estate

Mistleberry

Nestled on the Northern boundary of Dorset, butting with Wiltshire in the heart of the ancient landscape of Cranborne Chase, lies Mistleberry Hillfort and Chase Woods. A landscape which links old England to today in forms of exposed earthworks and buried barrows. Discover the hidden beech avenue planted by General Pitt-Rivers and follow the medieval … Continue reading Mistleberry

Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove – Bike Ride.

From the Smugglers Inn in Osmington Mills, cycle the hills and absorb the sights, to Lulworth Cove. Pass through the village of Osmington to admire the White Horse from the high ridge of Coombe Bottom to then descend and rise again at Ringstead. Enjoy the wide views from St Aldhem’s Head in the East to … Continue reading Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove – Bike Ride.

Little Bredy

Explore the historically rich landscape around Little Bredy. Discover the waterfall, that featured on the Broadchurch TV series, to then climb the hill following the original drive of Little Bredy Manor House, the route now hidden in woodland. Reach the peak to be in the company of a spiritual prehistoric cemetery, its earthworks scattering the … Continue reading Little Bredy