Explore the forgotten lands of the Blackmore Vale. Begin high in the valley of the River Lydden, in the small hamlet of Duntish, and follow its winding streams through fields, farms, and pockets of ancient woodland. Pass through the little village of Buckland Newton, crossing its old ford, before climbing towards the edge of a … Continue reading Duntish
From the little village of Iwerne Minster, climb up the chalk hills to views over the Blackmore Vale. Head between anciently farmed fields of the Iron Age and medieval periods, passing earthworks of a lost medieval farmstead and a Bulls Pit, to reach the causeway of Boyne’s Lane. Cross the historic route, used by King … Continue reading Stubhampton Bottom
A two-mile trail, featuring nine artistic stiles, promoting the village's history and landscape while supporting community projects, local businesses and well-being initiatives. Introduction Summary Participants Village History Route All Accessible Route The Stile Trail (click and zoom for larger image) Officially opened by Steve Harris from BBC Radio Dorset on 28th June 2025 at The … Continue reading The Stourton Caundle Stile Trail
From the large, golden stone village of Milborne Port, cross the county boundary out of Somerset and into Dorset. Meet the hedges of the lost London Road, its route heavily used until the introduction of the turnpikes. Enter the little hamlet of Goathill complete with its cave, church and old mill, and cross the river … Continue reading Goathill
Starting at the source of the River Piddle, wander through the village of Alton Pancras. Two manors have combined to create the settlement pattern but little is left of both other than earthworks and gate posts. Follow the valley road between cottages, the old school and farms to Burnt House Bottom where a manor was … Continue reading Alton Pancras
Under the shadow of Melbury Beacon, follow the magical, healing springs of the Fontmell Brook. Starting at the waterfalls and lakes of Collyer’s Brook, with towering earthworks on the slopes to the east, enter into a hidden corner of the Blackmore Vale. Passing medieval fishponds and wild nature reserves, with views to Hambledon Hillfort, discover … Continue reading Fontmell Magna
The life of William Barnes in the Dorset landscape (22 February 1801 – 7 October 1886) https://videopress.com/v/Y58zWF4K?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true William Barnes The farmer’s boy, who grew up in the countryside, is undeservedly overshadowed by the more famous Thomas Hardy, but there would be no Hardy without Barnes. The poet, writer, inventor, artist, mathematician and priest was born … Continue reading William Barnes
As small tribes farmed the Dorset landscape of the Iron Age, the political environment in the Roman Emipire was changing. Determined to expand they set their sights on Albion, forcing their way through with armed legions on newly developed roads, and renamed the country Britannia. New technologies, building practices, tools, skills, materials and beliefs were … Continue reading Roman Dorset
