Inspiring the writer Thomas Hardy and the artist John Constable, the small, rural town of Gillingham was hidden deep in ancient forest. Follow the River Lodden through the earthworks of Kings Court, the powerful, medieval hunting lodge, which turned into a castle. Walk on into the new landscape carved out of the old woodland, scattered … Continue reading Gillingham
Explore the ancient woodlands of East Dorset, once hunted by kings, young and old, the forest having not changed for centuries. Modern day footpaths are even hard to find, making it a real wild adventure! Discover the font that was apparently used by Saint Aldhelm in the late 600’s and was originally placed in the … Continue reading Woodlands and the Remedy Oak
For Camp Bestival see bottom of page. From a hidden location, buried in woodland and scattered with ancient barrows, take advantage of Lulworth Estate’s permissive paths through private grounds, filled with a number of romantic buildings all in different states of repair. Discover the wide open lake with a secret boathouse and fort dressed in … Continue reading Coombe Heath and Lulworth Estate
Begin at a unique church that has been saved by the spirit of Thomas Hardy, once described by King Charles III as exquisite and complete with original aged oak beams. Pass the 17th century Manor House of Anderson, growing old as its formal garden, driveway and river crossing fade back to the landscape. In World … Continue reading Anderson and Combs Ditch
Discover Horton Tower, a Georgian folly, standing at the ridge of a hill providing views over Cranborne Chase, precisely what the owner desired. Continue through Ferndown Forest, where the chalky Chase begins its transition into the sandy New Forest. Wander through the low valleys to the spot where the cowering Duke of Monmouth was discovered, … Continue reading Horton and Monmouth’s Ash
