Skim the edge of an estate that has evolved through the centuries, old manors still traceable in the ground and whispered in the place names. While the ancient families grew, the estate also developed. Keeping with the fashion of the time, Bryanston led the way, starting from scratch three times over. The demise of the … Continue reading Bryanston
A hand drawn, to scale map of the county of Dorset. Recording a simple selection to only include earthworks, woodland, water, roads, tracks and settlement. It creates a different perspective of the landscape as it draws out historical activity and merges with what exists today. It is more up to date than OS maps it … Continue reading The Big Map of Dorset
Exploring the landscape and village of West Stafford, in the heart of Hardy country on the River Frome. Pass the pub with origins of a wise man and even a poem written by possibly the man himself. Cross the railway to the ancient, hidden Sandy Barrow and over the hilltop the deserted remains of Whitcombe. … Continue reading West Stafford to Winterborne Came
A selection of tales and mysteries about tragedy and despair. The lives of people that have left their everlasting mark on the landscape, now hidden amongst brambles, whispered in the wind or sparkling in the shadows. From country houses to isolated beaches, lonely roads to hidden earthworks, the county of Dorset is full of ruins … Continue reading Dorset’s top 12 spooky places
Travel through Bere Heath to the River Piddle and Bere Valley. Make your way through thick woodland and fern lined paths to pass the site of the ancient Turberville Manor. Climb up to Woodbury Hill Fort, with its forgotten holy well and powerful healing water, especially at the autumn equinox! Continue through the ancient wood … Continue reading Woodbury
From the small coastal village of Studland make your way along the cliffs to Old Harry’s Rocks. Now a stump, a stack and a bit of no man’s land, it once housed a castle. Both the caves below and the name linked to a famous local pirate. Continue along the cliff top past the Pinnacles … Continue reading Old Harry’s Rocks
From an isolated location, hidden amongst woodland and decorated with ancient barrows, take advantage of the Lulworth Estate’s permissive paths to its own private lake, fort, wall and lodges, all in different states of repair. Cruise past the impressive castle and its hidden chapel to the northern boundary to discover the ruins of Clare’s Tower … Continue reading Coombe Heath and Lulworth Estate
From the tiny hamlet of Chilcombe, with its farmhouse, chapel and spirit of an old manor, wander up the hill to pass the Iron Age Hillfort of the same name. Cross the A35 to Askerswell, buried and hidden deep in the valleys below Eggardon Hillfort. Explore the secret paths used by smugglers following the little … Continue reading Chilcombe, Askerswell and Litton Cheney
