Climb up the hidden peaks of the Purbecks. Explore the ancient ridgeway route, scattered with Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age earthworks, and medieval tofts and crofts. Enjoy views over Poole Harbour to Poole and Bournemouth in the north and the wooded valley of the Corfe River to Weymouth and the Isle of Portland in to … Continue reading Church Knowle
Cranborne, a small village, rich in history including naughty monks, revengeful princesses, ruined castles, smugglers and highwaymen. The landscape is filled with wild wood, spiritual burial mounds, Iron Age settlement, and Neolithic mystery, all of which is the playground for a plethora of wildlife. It has all been preserved thanks to the first conservationist - … Continue reading Cranborne
From a golden shingle corner of Chesil Beach, climb up to the peak of Bind Barrow, complete with panoramic views of Lyme Bay. The empty beach and wide blue sea played a crucial role in the D-Day landings, with American troops scaling the cliffs for training and the sea turning black with boats on the … Continue reading Burton Bradstock
From the home of the Knob throwing contest, climb the slopes of Cattistock Castle, the earthwork that towers over the village. Discover Chalmington, the country house whose previous owner made some dodgy smuggling deals and is still being chased by the American authorities. Wander through fields and through woodland to find the little River Frome … Continue reading Cattistock
Explore the historically rich, golden hued village of Abbotsbury by wandering though crumbling ruins, which tower up to the sky, as well as those hidden, knocking at the ankles. Find ancient sculptures of long gone Abbots and holes from musket balls fired during the Civil War. Discover the medieval pond with the great tithe barn … Continue reading Abbotsbury Railway
Explore the hillfort of Eggardon by climbing the ramparts and roaming the plateau. Experience wide open views across West Dorset and the Jurassic Coastline, including the peaks of Golden Cap, Pilsdon Pen and, the highest point in the county, Lewesdon Hill. Wander along the ridge way, following the paths of Roman soldiers, dipping down into … Continue reading West Compton and Eggardon Hill
King Charles III, as the Duchy of Cornwall, created the architectural trailblazer that is Poundbury, the responsibility now falling to the new Duchy - Prince William. Start at the pub the King dedicated to his wife, in the Square dedicated to his grandmother. Wander between homes and shops, with no distinguishable difference, to skim the … Continue reading Poundbury – from The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
Once greeted by elegant herons, escape into the landscape of the little dairies. Cross patchwork fields, with views to hill forts and hunting grounds, following the footsteps of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Pass an elegant Elizabethan Manor House that neighbours agricultural barns, cross a little stream on its way to the mighty River Stour and … Continue reading Hinton St Mary
