From the coastal cliffs of Kimmeridge, wander inland down into the valley of the River Corfe. Pass the mysterious Harp Stone, once marking an ancient route now sunk into the ground, and carved by centuries of rain, wind and sea spray. Clamber the remaining earthworks of Whiteway and zig zag up the Purbeck Hills to … Continue reading Blackmanston
Weave between the deep sinkholes and rising burial mounds of Affpuddle Heath. Drop down to the little village of Briantspuddle, its little thatched cottages all built for a purpose in the 19th century. Cross over the Piddle and up to Piddles Wood, partly owned by Queen Guitarist Brain May, all with the mission to conserve. … Continue reading Affpuddle
Enter into the wooded landscape of Hurn Forest. Skim the busy Bournemouth International Airport, where the growl of the engines can shake the trees. Ride or walk along the ridge as it rises up above the hidden Moors River valley. Weave between the towering trunks merging onto tracks coming from many different directions. Curve around … Continue reading Hurn
Circle the mighty hillfort of Ham Hill and climb to the peak of Montacute Castle, through deep holloways and thick woodland. Follow ramparts on the tips of the slopes with views across river valleys and the Somerset Levels. Cross ancient Roman roads and medieval village remains to discover the Roman crossroads haunted by a highwayman. … Continue reading Ham Hill
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
From the steep slopes and waterways that split Somerset and Wiltshire explore the forests of Stourhead. Find Jack’s Castle, used as a beacon site to call troops, and discover King Alfred’s Tower, its peak visible for miles around. Venture deep into the ancient Selwood Forest, haunted by forces that could steer you off your path. … Continue reading Stourhead
From the high peak of Beaminster Down, scattered with ancient tumuli, cross the common land to Kitwhistle Farm, named after the cry of the bird. Follow its farm tracks up the hill to the ridge with views overlooking the Marshwood Vale to the hillforts of Shipton, Coney’s, Lambert’s, Lewesdon and Pilsdon. Drop down into the … Continue reading Beaminster Down
From the village of Puddletown, named for the river on which it sits, venture out into the layered landscape of Troy Town. Climb the hillside once home to a Miz Maze, a winding turf pattern long believed to have been used for witchcraft and ritual. Follow the old drove roads down to the forgotten Blandford … Continue reading Puddletown
