Under the shadow of Dungeon and Dogbury hillforts, discover the medieval, forested village of Glanvilles Wootton. Pass the healing waters of Chalybeate Spring and the manor that has grown through time. Explore the land owned by a famous highwayman and the ancient family of the UK Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. Follow the footsteps of … Continue reading Glanvilles Wootton
Set in the ancient forest of Blackmore, or historically known as Blackmore Regis, was the Friary of hermits whose traces of life still exist today. Discover their well, hidden in the high valley of The Caundle Brook and the old lime kiln of industry gone by. Pass through the village of Lyon’s Gate, under the … Continue reading Lyon’s Gate
Explore the landscape of Nether Compton, a hidden corner of North Dorset. From the golden village, that rose from the ashes, head up to the hills for views over the counties of both Somerset and Dorset. Return to the valley to discover the ancient Holloways carved deep into the sandy stone by centuries of footsteps, … Continue reading Nether Compton
Discover an ancient stone that marks a spot of magic. Join the Wessex ridgeway along the hilltops to descend to Up Cerne and its avenue of trees. Climb back through ancient woodland with views down to the impressive Minterne House. Distance: 5 miles/8 kmTime: 2 hoursTotal climb: 420ft.Max height: 870ft.Min height: 460ft.Terrain: Track, path, road … Continue reading Up Cerne
The small, quiet village of Leigh has a suspicious and mysterious past. Today it is home to a modern village Hall hosting popular events. A few hundred years ago, the village used to be host to witches. The Miz Maze, now nothing but lumps and bumps in the landscape, was where the last witch to … Continue reading Leigh, The Castle and The Miz Maze.
Starting in the small village of Pulham in north Dorset, make your way through the fields of the Blackmore Vale to Dungeon Hillfort. Towering above the landscape topped with cap of hollow forest, discover the ancient ramparts. Built into the earthworks are Victorian arches which, during construction, produced a plethora of ancient goodies. Explore the … Continue reading Pulham, Dungeon Hill and Castle Hill
A hillfort is a type of earthwork once used as a fortified refuge or defended settlement, located to exploit a rise in elevation for defensive advantage. Hillforts developed in the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age, roughly at the start of the first millennium BC, some later used in the post-Roman period. The fortification usually … Continue reading Dorset Hillforts
Dogbury Hillfort is relatively unknown. Hidden in the depths of North Dorset, buried under a forest of oak and beech, accessible only by those who know it is there; it is a little marvel. To approach the remote fort, the route takes you past an ancient park pale and the exceptional Minterne House gardens. The … Continue reading Dogbury Hill Fort
