Discover the largest ancient monument in the country. An earthwork that covers over seven miles, its path dipping into the valleys and skimming the hilltops. Set in a landscape, rich with spiritual burials, it puts Stonehenge to shame. Begin in the valley of the little Crichel Brook, following old tracks that once cut through the … Continue reading Long Crichel and the Dorset Cursus
Start at the hidden village of Halstock, among the narrow valleys and shallow hills of North West Dorset. Follow the footsteps of our ancient ancestors along the oldest road in the country as it makes its way to Stonehenge. Pass the site of an impressive Roman Villa that was a complex of open courtyards, decorative … Continue reading Halstock and Sutton Bingham Reservoir
Delve into the wild landscape of Powerstock Common. Rub shoulders with deer, boar and wild ponies before following the dismantled railway through the trees. Discover a number of railway remains, some abandoned and some reused, as well as Ganger’s Hut, originally a shelter for people, now a home for bats. Leave the forest to explore … Continue reading Powerstock Forest
From the Victorian poet Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, deep in Thorncombe Wood, make your way through the trees to the A35 as it slices its way through the landscape. Enter, if you dare, the woods of Yellowham, home of the Woodwoses (Dorset’s very own Bigfoot). Pass Troy Town, the home of a medieval maze, and down … Continue reading Waterston and Yellowham Woods
Times are tough and purse strings are tied tight so what better way to still enjoy the holidays than embark on an adventure into Dorset’s countryside. The cost of an adventure park for a family is often way out of limits, but may be completely unnecessary! Dorset is rich with treasure, surprises, secrets, mystery and … Continue reading Dorset Inspiration
After following the little River Winterborne, trace the footsteps of the Roman soldiers as their road cuts through Winterborne Kingston, still scarring the landscape today. Tread the earth that hides many of their remains, some having been unearthed from the ground including a precious coffin and dedications to a shrine. Climb the hill to Bere … Continue reading Winterborne Kingston
From the little village of Wool, the name deriving from springs rather than sheep, clamber over its old earthworks to reach the remains of the once impressive monastery of Bindon. Follow the little country lane parallel to the flood plains of the River Frome to discover the ruins of St Mary’s church, buried in brambles, … Continue reading Wool and Bindon Abbey
Starting in the little hamlet of Wootton Fitzpaine, pass the village hall and Old Rectory to find the church and Wootton Manor, hidden from the rest of the village. Climb up Conegar Hill for views across the Marshwood Vale and out to sea, a special spot for a couple’s eternal rest. Follow the high ridge … Continue reading Wootton Fitzpaine
