Walk through the chalk hills and ancient woodland along the Winterborne valley. Encounter lost settlement and medieval tracks while circling the estates of Whatcombe and La Lee. The old manors are hidden amongst the scattered oaks on a landscape that helped more than hindered. Return through the village, passing one of the country estates of … Continue reading Winterborne Whitechurch
From the centre of Blandford, travel by foot, wheel or hoof over the meadows and out of town. Cross over the old railway and up the hill, where many Roman treasures have been discovered. Make your way through the ancient landscape of Little Down, skimming the estate of Inside Park, its manor having burnt to … Continue reading The Crown, Blandford
In the north east corner of Dorset sits the ancient landscape of Cranborne Chase. High on its chalk hills, wander through the spiritual environment crossed by a mysterious Neolithic causeway. Discover Bronze Age burial mounds, explore the large earthworks of an Iron Age settlement and join the footsteps of Roman soldiers on Ackling Dyke. Enjoy … Continue reading Gussage Down
Distance: 3 miles/5 km Duration: 1 hour Ability: Easy. One climb. Terrain: Path, track, road and field. Can get very boggy. Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis Start Point: The Fox Inn at Ansty (Postcode: DT2 7PW, Grid reference: ST765032) How to Get There: From Blandford Forum, take the A354 to Dorchester. … Continue reading Ansty and Bingham’s Melcombe
The beaches in Dorset can fill up quickly but there are plenty of other places, away from the crowds, to escape the high temperatures. It may even be possible to find your own little spot! However, not all are easy to get to, some require a little more of an adventure than others. Landowners may … Continue reading Wild Swimming
Distance: 3 miles/5km Time: 1 hour Total climb: 250 ft Max height: 390 ft Min height: 150 ft Terrain: Track, path, road and field. Exertion: Easy. Some mud after rain. Start: The Old Farquharson Arms (Grid Ref: ST904089, Postcode DT11 8TX). Map: Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase How to get there: From Salisbury travel … Continue reading The Farquharson Arms, Pimperne
Trace the front line of ancient battles by following the path of Bokerley Ditch, an earthwork that helped to create Britain. Wander along the chalk ridge to meet the mystical Penbury Knoll, filled with towering pine trees that whistle in the wind. Return via the hamlet of Pentridge, sitting hidden down a dead end road, … Continue reading Bokerley Ditch
From the Langton Arms, deep in the Tarrant Valley, explore the village and find its rare packhorse bridge. Follow the footsteps of medieval travellers, crossing the path of the Roman soldiers and up to the woods on the chalk hills. Discover Tarrant Rushton airfield, which played a crucial role in WW2 but is now just … Continue reading Tarrant Monkton
