After following the little River Winterborne, trace the footsteps of the Roman soldiers as their road cuts through Winterborne Kingston, still scarring the landscape today. Tread the earth that hides many of their remains, some having been unearthed from the ground including a precious coffin and dedications to a shrine. Climb the hill to Bere … Continue reading Winterborne Kingston
Starting in the little hamlet of Wootton Fitzpaine, pass the village hall and Old Rectory to find the church and Wootton Manor, hidden from the rest of the village. Climb up Conegar Hill for views across the Marshwood Vale and out to sea, a special spot for a couple’s eternal rest. Follow the high ridge … Continue reading Wootton Fitzpaine
Cycle, walk or ride through the valley of the River Piddle. Pass thatched cottages and impressive country houses neighbouring crumbling barns and water meadows. Climb the hill to appreciate the wide views over the valley and beyond, the peaks scattered with ancient earthworks. Meander through the large open fields to sink back down to the … Continue reading Piddlehinton
Begin in the narrow valley of the little River Winterborne, where Winterborne Stickland reveals its treasures—an ancient cross, its companion tree, a timeless church, pub, and war memorial. Climb the hillside into thick woodland and wander the winding tracks of Charity Wood and Milton Wood, skimming the earthworks of a medieval deer park. Continue to … Continue reading Winterborne Stickland
Explore the landscape of the Melcombes. Several villages with similar names, but all with a different history. Discover the deserted village, the manor and the farm surrounded by footprints of the past. Climb the medieval trackways to reach the Dorsetshire Gap, an ancient junction of five routes, linking the northern and wild Blackmore Vale to … Continue reading Melcombe Horsey
Disappear into the secret valleys of Compton Valence. Weave through the deep interlocking spurs and up to view the hidden countryside, its contours perfect for the first Roman aqueduct. Drop down into the valley of the River Frome to Frampton, skirting a nature reserve with its own Roman villa. Explore the landscape of Frampton Park, … Continue reading Compton Valence to Frampton
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
Skim the southern corner of the Kingston Lacy estate, walking between the historically feuding neighbours of the Bankes and the Erles. Explore the medieval routes that once connected the estates to the surrounding countryside. Walk through the beech tree avenue, one of the most iconic scenes of the county, to reach Badbury Rings. Follow the … Continue reading Kingston Lacy to Badbury Rings
