Disappear into the secret valleys of Compton Valence. Weave through the deep interlocking spurs and up to view the hidden countryside, its contours perfect for the first Roman aqueduct. Drop down into the valley of the River Frome to Frampton, skirting a nature reserve with its own Roman villa. Explore the landscape of Frampton Park, … Continue reading Compton Valence to Frampton
From the little village of Symondsbury, walk along the permissive paths of the estate to Dorset’s most impressive Holloways. Hidden deep within the sandstone and amongst the roots of trees, it creates a secret and mystical atmosphere. Climb to the top of Colmer’s Hill, to stand at the peak, in the centre of the pine … Continue reading Colmer’s Hill
Skim the southern corner of the Kingston Lacy estate, walking between the historically feuding neighbours of the Bankes and the Erles. Explore the medieval routes that once connected the estates to the surrounding countryside. Walk through the beech tree avenue, one of the most iconic scenes of the county, to reach Badbury Rings. Follow the … Continue reading Kingston Lacy to Badbury Rings
Starting at the village pub, St Peter's Finger, wander between country estates and World War crash sites, not all with a sorry ending. Discover the old roads of the landscape, one topped with concrete the other with grass breaking through. Explore the county lanes and medieval woodland tracks to Foxhill, with views across an ancient … Continue reading St Peter’s Finger
Starting in one of the oldest villages in the county, climb up from Roman aqueduct remains to discover Neolithic and Bronze Age earthworks. Pass ancient county estates, with a family name that links to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Wander through woodland with fleeting views of the Frome Valley and beyond. Return via the … Continue reading Bradford Peverell
Starting at the third highest point in Dorset, wander along its peak through the ancient landscape that contains a 3000 year old tree, Bronze Age burial mounds and an Iron Age hillfort. Skim the woodland following the paths down to the Saxon villages of Woolland and Ibberton, with each church containing its own treasure, including … Continue reading Bulbarrow, Woolland and Ibberton
From the Lulworth Cove Inn cycle the chalk hills and absorb the sights along the Jurassic coastline to the Smugglers Inn. Climb out the valley to Daggers Gate, with its own little legend, to begin the rural route along paths of the original Customs Officials while they patrolled the cliff tops for smugglers. Pass Durdle … Continue reading Lulworth Cove to Osmington Mills – Bike Ride
Tess of the Vale has grown into a library of more than 350 adventures. Miles of footpaths, bridleways, byways and permissive tracks across the countryside have been recorded, with only five parishes left to explore - aside from the inevitable gaps created by military training grounds and private estates. Yet the 'project' is still far … Continue reading Dorset Parish List
