From Manston, deep in the Blackmore Vale, discover its little church and mausoleum, used to house perished loved ones until cremation was made legal. Wander across the floodplains of the River Stour to Fontmell Parva and its large 17th century country house. Climb up Porter's Hill, using the little trackways that connected isolated farms, to … Continue reading Fontmell Parva
Circle the crumbling castle of Wardour. Climb up the hill, though the neighbouring woodland, hiding ruins of an 18th century landscape garden. Dive under the haunted tunnel and follow the medieval park pale through the trees, passing a mini Silbury Hill on the way. Drop down to the River Nadder, after crossing the railway, to … Continue reading Wardour Castle
From the high peak of Beaminster Down, scattered with ancient tumuli, cross the common land to Kitwhistle Farm, named after the cry of the bird. Follow its farm tracks up the hill to the ridge with views overlooking the Marshwood Vale to the hillforts of Shipton, Coney’s, Lambert’s, Lewesdon and Pilsdon. Drop down into the … Continue reading Beaminster Down
Circle the mystical town of Glastonbury and the island that houses the Tor, once surrounded by sea but still dominating the town. Follow the footsteps of legends including Goddess Bridie, King Arthur, his knights and even Jesus himself, his blood still staining the soil. Pass Abbey remains, spiritual shops and the Holy Thorn as it … Continue reading Glastonbury
From the village of Puddletown, named for the river on which it sits, venture out into the storied landscape of Troy Town. Climb the hillside once home to a Miz Maze, a winding turf pattern long believed to have been used for witchcraft and ritual. Follow the old drove roads down to the forgotten Blandford … Continue reading Puddletown
From the high peak of the Iron Age Hillfort of Lambert’s Castle cut down through its ramparts into the Marshwood Vale. With views across the valley to Lewesdon and Pilsdon, join Nash Lane marking the edge of a medieval deer park. Drop down the steep Holloway to Baber’s Farm, bought with the mission to conserve … Continue reading Lambert’s Castle
Explore the tracks and trails deep within the hunting heartland, but marshy waste ground, of what was once Blackmoor Regis. From the hamlet of Hermitage, having grown from an isolated priory, follow the old droveway used by both livestock and lords. Skim the source of the River Cam to Three Gates where an ancient road … Continue reading Hermitage
Starting in the valley of the River Frome, where the river pools into large lakes and the banks are decorated with artwork, join the country lane and travel westwards to Tincleton. Pass the little church and old school house, designed by the architect Benjamin Ferry, and climb up the hill to the impressive manor of … Continue reading Pallington
