Delve deep into the thick woodland of Ferndown Forest. Trace the old driveway down to the ghost of a country manor replaced by newer builds of the modern age. The old country estate, once spanning the surroundings, leaves little in its wake but an old cottage lodge now swallowed by growing urbanisation. Wander the routes … Continue reading Ferndown Forest
From the golden stone town of Beaminster, follow the little river Brit to the skeletal remains of Parnham House. Walk through the Deer park, once cordoned off as a crime scene, up the hill and into the woods. Discover a deeply carved Holloway, its route cut into the landscape by generations of both hooves and … Continue reading Parnham
The Farm of Knights sits on the slopes of Knighton Hill looking over the valley of the little River Wriggle. Isolated, on the edge of the Blackmore Vale, the settlement has shrunk slowly back into the hillside. Wander through the landscape using the medieval routes which connected the once powerful castles of Sherborne and Leigh. … Continue reading Knighton
Discover a landscape lost in history, a small village once home to castle which witnessed both success and tragedy. The village was the marital home of Dick Whittington, the inspiration of the fairy-tale, before the family experienced sadness through both plague and murder. However, the village was possibly saved by the controversial presence of cats, … Continue reading Stourton Caundle
Explore the little bowl of Kimmeridge. Climb up its easterly peak to the Clavell Tower, once a folly then a coastguard station now a holiday home. Skim the wide open bay, darkened by its precious black rock, to Gaulter Gap. Follow the little river upstream to reach the hidden hamlet, so out of the way … Continue reading Kimmeridge
During the 19th century the railway flourished throughout the country, arriving in Dorset relatively late. The openings of the lines were celebrated with music, flags and apple cake, the first passengers often lucky school children. However, its life span was short. The terrain proved difficult, the costs unmanageable and the demand fell short in both … Continue reading Dorset Railways
Venture into the Park of Melbury on one of Dorset’s most famous walks. From the ancient stones of The Three Maidens, punished for dancing on the Sabbath, enter the park via old rides that once scattered the estate. Discover Lucerne Lake, named after the famous lake of Switzerland to find the old thatched boat house. … Continue reading Melbury Sampford
Explore the wild and secretive landscape of North West Dorset. From the little village of Drimpton, once surrounded by the bustling activity of industrial mills, use old lanes cutting over the countryside to the River Axe. Cross the meandering flow, which was used as a ducking pond for a number of disobedient wives, to the … Continue reading Drimpton
