From the River Stour, enter the landscape of its tributaries. Climb to Sturminster Castle, a ruin that evolved from an Iron Age hillfort into a medieval manor house. Follow old drove roads with wide views across the Blackmore Vale to Duncliffe, before descending to the River Divelish, passing areas of modern development. Trace the Divelish … Continue reading Rolls Mill
From the busy town of Yeovil, weave through the waterfalls, pools, grottos and stone arches to climb up to the Roman road once linking the ancient towns of Durnovaria and Lindinis. Discover the follies of Barwick estate, dotted on the hilltops to mark the four points of the compass. Dip down to the fine country … Continue reading Ninesprings
During the 19th century the railway flourished throughout the country, arriving in Dorset relatively late. The openings of the lines were celebrated with music, flags and apple cake, the first passengers often lucky school children. However, its life span was short. The terrain proved difficult, the costs unmanageable and the demand fell short in both … Continue reading Dorset Railways
Venture down the smuggler’s lanes of Corfe Mullen. The route cut through the landscape by the Romans, speeding up supplies from Poole Harbour to their mighty, military Fort at Lake Farm. Cross over brick bridges that span rivers of trees, the embankments once filled with steam as the old Slow and Dirty chugged its way … Continue reading Corfe Mullen
Wander through the heathland that was left wild for centuries. The marsh and forest stood on the edge of Cranborne Chase, the area frequently hunted by royalty. Skim the earthwork remains of the Deer Park before crossing the dismantled railway that once linked Poole to Salisbury. Explore the little village of Alderholt, grown from the … Continue reading Alderholt
Explore the historically rich, golden-hued village of Abbotsbury by wandering through 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 and popular … Continue reading Abbotsbury Railway
