Delve into the deep, lush valley of Melbury Abbas. Discover the hidden church, filled with decorative tiles and topped with a wizard’s hat. It sits on the edge of an ancient road that was used by King Alfred to visit his daughter in Shaftesbury. The route has since carved itself into the soft greensand, creating … Continue reading Melbury Abbas
Off the tourist trail on the Isle of Purbeck, filling the low land between Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour, is Wytch Heath. Follow medieval trails over little stone bridges through a once heavily industrial landscape, it’s resources tapped since the Bronze Age. Skim the oil refinery, hidden behind thick Corsican pines and hard working nodding donkeys, … Continue reading Wytch
From the home of the Knob throwing contest, climb the slopes of Cattistock Castle, the earthwork that towers over the village. Discover Chalmington, the country house whose previous owner made some dodgy smuggling deals and is still being chased by the American authorities. Wander through fields and through woodland to find the little River Frome … Continue reading Cattistock
Explore the hillfort of Eggardon by climbing the ramparts and roaming the plateau. Experience wide open views across West Dorset and the Jurassic Coastline, including the peaks of Golden Cap, Pilsdon Pen and, the highest point in the county, Lewesdon Hill. Wander along the ridge way, following the paths of Roman soldiers, dipping down into … Continue reading West Compton and Eggardon Hill
King Charles III, as the Duchy of Cornwall, created the architectural trailblazer that is Poundbury, the responsibility now falling to the new Duchy - Prince William. Start at the pub the King dedicated to his wife, in the Square dedicated to his grandmother. Wander between homes and shops, with no distinguishable difference, to skim the … Continue reading Poundbury – from The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
Once greeted by elegant herons, escape into the landscape of the little dairies. Cross patchwork fields, with views to hill forts and hunting grounds, following the footsteps of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Pass an elegant Elizabethan Manor House that neighbours agricultural barns, cross a little stream on its way to the mighty River Stour and … Continue reading Hinton St Mary
Discover the secret valley of the Plush Stream. Down the back lanes of the back lanes, explore the landscape littered with ancient earthworks, medieval trackways and a mysterious chimney coming out of the ground. Climb up high for views across the heart of the county, the scenes enjoyed by a modest architect who influenced a … Continue reading Plush
After tracing the old route of the Bridport branch railway line to the village train station, clamber up the chalk hills using the old medieval route, its path passing the ruins of an old Blacksmith’s workshop. Wander between the fields and patches of woodland in a landscape still scarred by the Romans, their road skimming … Continue reading Maiden Newton
