Explore the lush hills and wild woodland on the border of Dorset and Devon. Start at the small village of Monkton Wyld which has grown from the love of a mother for her daughter. Dip down and climb up the narrow valleys, crossing streams and stiles at the end of isolated holloways that once led … Continue reading Monkton Wyld
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
Garden design, development, and embellishment became the fashion amongst the landowning gentry of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, splashing their cash on elements that had no purpose other than to be admired. ‘Sanctuaries’, ‘observatories’, ‘thinking towers’, 'memorials’, and 'commemorations' popped up on hilltops and in hidden valleys, usually viewable through the manor’s windows. A … Continue reading Dorset’s Follies and Obelisks
From the Royal village of Tollard, sitting on the boundary of Dorset and Wiltshire, circle the famous Victorian gardens of the Larmer Tree. Start at the village pond, opposite a grumpy cart shed, to climb up to the church. Pass the terracotta coloured old manor of King John’s House, which began life as the Kings … Continue reading Larmer Tree
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
From the forgotten village of Coombe Keynes, complete with a mass burial from the plague and a cottage haunted by witches, climb out to the valley to the high chalk hills. Weave through the ancient forest to descend into Winfrith Newburgh before taking the old smugglers' route to the sea. Delve down into the little … Continue reading Coombe Keynes
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
