Explore the wide open landscape that covers a chalk ridgeway north of Dorchester, passing small settlements and climbing ancient earthworks. Discover an isolated tower standing in its own dry valley and fitted with a single bell, the sound of the ring echoing around the surrounding empty slopes. Climb back up the hill to an ancient … Continue reading Stratton, Grimstone Down and Forcey’s Tower
Walk along the county boundary that divides Somerset and Dorset. Start in the hidden village of Sandford Orcas, tucked into the narrow valley. Pass an ancient Manor House which claims to be home to many restless spirits, mostly manufactured by the owner. Meet the source of the River Yeo, a modest overgrown and hidden spot … Continue reading Sandford Orcas to Poyntington
Circle the steep horseshoe bowl of Lyscombe Bottom. Explore the surrounding ancient landscape, filled with ancient earthworks, Iron Age hillforts and medieval trackways to find the remains of a lost, little village. Clamber the ruins in the valley, follow the river upstream and scale the slopes to the views, all in the central heart of … Continue reading Lyscombe Bottom
Circle the hidden landscape of East and West Chelborough. Accessible only down dead end roads, this forgotten area was once powerful. Dominated by two castles both eventually lost, the stone recycled in local farm buildings. Little is known, but swords have been found! It neighbours a secret church. Built in the valley and circled by … Continue reading West to East Chelborough
Distance: 7 miles/10km Duration: 3 hours Ability: Easy Terrain: Path, track, road and field. Total Climb: 580ft Max Height: 570ft Min Height: 200ft Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne Start Point: Sherborne Terraces. (Postcode: DT9 6PS, Grid reference: ST641156, What three words: bonfires.reaction.late) How to Get There: From Sherborne, head out on the A352 … Continue reading Sherborne, Leweston and Honeycombe Wood
A short but sweet explore of the slopes of Ibberton. The hills divde Dorset into different patterns of North and South, visible from the peak of Ibberton. Walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers as well as the writer Thomas Hardy. Distance: 3 miles/ 5km Duration: 1.5 hours Ability: Easy, short, good for kids. Terrain: … Continue reading Ibberton Hill
Climb to the ancient hilltops of Hambledon and Hod Hill, the two neighbouring Hillforts with very different stories. The views span right across the Blackmore Vale to Somerset and Wiltshire while presiding over the valley of the mighty River Stour and the old Somerset and Dorset railway at their feet. Distance - 5 miles (a … Continue reading Hambledon and Hod Hill
From the smuggling coastline of Osmington, explore inland to discover pirate secrets in the nearby village of Osmington. Follow the River Jordan to Sutton Poyntz, in the shadow of Chalbury Hill fort. Visit the ducks of the village before climbing up to the chalk White Horse, there to honour a mad king. From the ridge, … Continue reading Osmington Mills to The White Horse
