Walk through the wild landscape of West and East Orchard, deep in the Blackmore Vale. Land that was thick with forest, now tamed and harvested. Follow little lanes that connected fields of orchards, all under the control of ancient Dorset landowners. Look out for the hoof prints of Lazy Lawrence, the horse behind the local … Continue reading West and East Orchard
Explore the landscape of the Melcombes. Several villages with similar names, but all with a different history. Discover the deserted village, the manor and the farm surrounded by footprints of the past. Climb the medieval trackways to reach the Dorsetshire Gap, an ancient junction of five routes, linking the northern and wild Blackmore Vale to … Continue reading Melcombe Horsey
From White Mill, sitting on the River Stour, and the medieval bridge, of the same name, discover the old railway cutting through the floodplains. Walk through the forested park of Henbury, the land developed into the modern age. Meet the boundary of Charborough Park, one of the largest private estates in the county, its 120ft … Continue reading Sturminster Marshall to Charborough
Skim the southern corner of the Kingston Lacy estate, walking between the historically feuding neighbours land of the Bankes and the Charboroughs. Explore the medieval routes that once connected the estates to the surrounding land. Walk through the beech tree avenue, one of the most iconic scenes in the county, to reach Badbury Rings. Follow … Continue reading Kingston Lacy to Badbury Rings
Starting at The Fox Inn that sits on the river banks, wander around the small village of Corscombe, along ancient Holloways and over old stone bridges. Follow trickling streams through the medieval landscape once controlled by Sherborne Abbey and the monks that lived at The Grange. Visit the mysterious, prehistoric stones, giant megaliths standing proud … Continue reading Corscombe
Start at the beautiful, bygone and bustling building of Athelhampton, sitting on the banks of the River Piddle in Hardy’s Vale of the Great Dairies. Follow the river downstream to cross the earthworks of a Roman Road trodden by marching soldiers and a medieval park pale, which enclosed deer for the hunting gentry. Wander up … Continue reading Athelhampton
Cut through a corner of the Blackmore Vale, along peaceful country lanes, ancient tracks and old drove roads. Pass historic farms, country manors and the oldest working post-box in the country. Discover two medieval packhorse bridges, a lost turnpike road and the vineyards that produce the grapes for Sherborne Castle. Distance: 6 miles/9km Duration: 2-3 … Continue reading Bishop’s Caundle
All Dorset parishes are listed alphabetically. They then reference any adventures that start or finish within the parish, pass through the parish or skim past the parish.
