From the River Stour, enter the landscape of its tributaries. Climb to Sturminster Castle, a ruin that evolved from an Iron Age hillfort into a medieval manor house. Follow old drove roads with wide views across the Blackmore Vale to Duncliffe, before descending to the River Divelish, passing areas of modern development. Trace the Divelish … Continue reading Rolls Mill
From deep within the roots of the ancient Selwood Forest, wander a landscape that shaped Iron Age tribes, settling Saxons, and the counties of Wessex. Drop down into the valley of the River Stour, joining its short course through Wiltshire to the possible site of Egbert’s Stone, marking the point where three counties meet. Follow … Continue reading Bourton
From deep within the Marshwood Vale, wander through fields, farms and forgotten droves to Stoke Mill. Cross the River Char, flowing down from the slopes of Pilsdon Pen, and follow the old road through its quiet valley. As the river slowly reclaims the track, climb the hill to Purcombe Farm. Join the nature trails to … Continue reading Broadoak and Denhay
Climb to the summit of what many believe to be King Arthur’s Camelot. From Cadbury Castle's peak, gaze across the Somerset Levels to Glastonbury Tor and King Alfred’s Tower, a landscape once transformed by the sea or cloaked in wild woodland, where medieval royalty hunted between the trees. Wander among the mighty ramparts to uncover … Continue reading Cadbury Castle
Wander beneath the thick canopy of Wareham Forest, following the Sika Trail toward Wareham itself. Cross the railway tracks to reach the River Piddle, where a 15th-century bridge carries you over its quiet waters. Climb the hill to discover one of the most remarkable Saxon churches in the country, then descend along the ancient Saxon … Continue reading Coldharbour
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
Circle Clatworthy Reservoir, on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Created in 1959 and opened in 1961, it is a popular fishing spot and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The dam has trapped the River Tone, flooding a number of long gone villages and settlements. On the peaks are remnants and ruins … Continue reading Clatworthy
From a little ruin of a lime kiln, embedded in the slopes, climb up to the South Dorset Ridgeway. Pass stone circles, dolmen, megaliths and barrows all in the company of wide open views of the Jurassic Coastline. Dip down into the wooded valley of the 17th century Gorwell Farm, surrounded by stone barns, steep … Continue reading South Dorset Ridgeway
