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
Follow the footsteps of ancient kings. Discover the remains of the 12th century castle that dominated the hunting grounds of Cranborne Chase. Explore the village that was once a powerful administrate office, blessed with manors and lodges, that, over time, slowly shrank back into the landscape. Distance: 3.5 miles/ 5km Duration: 2 hours Ability: Easy. … Continue reading Cranborne and Castle Hill
From the town of Verwood, head into the forest to discover a castle and ancient stone. Wander along the tracks that connect these old settlements to the landscape. Follow the River Crane past Roman remains and industrial history. Arrive at Cranborne to clamber the castle earthworks and return via Edmondsham with its stately country home. … Continue reading Stephen’s Castle to Edmondsham – From The Monmouth Ash
Reaching out into Poole Harbour, this sandy peninsula is home to all six British reptiles, managed and protected by the RSPB. Wander through the ancient woodland, minding out for the odd WW2 bomb crater, to reach the white shell beach of Shipstal, lined with trees clinging to life by their roots. Admire views across the … Continue reading Arne
Discover the ruined village of Tyneham, frozen in time since being taken over by the army during WW2. Loved and lost by the residents, who once had hopes to return, today it is little more than crumbling ruins. Climb the hill to the Iron Age hillfort of Flower's Barrow, with views stretching across the Jurassic … Continue reading Tyneham and Flower’s Barrow.
Distance: 3 miles/5 km Duration: 1 hour Ability: Easy. One climb. Terrain: Path, track, road and field. Can get very boggy. Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis Start Point: The Fox Inn at Ansty (Postcode: DT2 7PW, Grid reference: ST765032) How to Get There: From Blandford Forum, take the A354 to Dorchester. … Continue reading Ansty and Bingham’s Melcombe
From the Saxon town of Wareham, follow the River Frome to Poole Harbour, tracing the reverse route of invading Danes. Curve around Swineham Point with views stretching from Arne peninsula, to Brownsea Island and to the shimmering conurbation of Poole. Meet the River Piddle entering Wareham via the ancient town walls. Pass a stunning example … Continue reading Wareham and Poole Harbour
Explore the village of Portesham before climbing its chalk hills to reach the dolmen of Hells Stone. Pass ruins and earthworks to reach Hardy’s monument, claimed to have the best views in the county. Continue through the ancient landscape, scattered with historic and spiritual connections. Admire the views spanning the Jurassic Coastline before discovering a … Continue reading Portesham, The Hell Stone and Hardy’s Monument
