Starting high above Ringstead Bay, with wide views out to sea and along the Jurassic Coast, leave the waves behind and begin the descent down Gallows Hill. Discover the remains of Holworth’s lost village, its story echoed along this coastline where plague once devastated communities. Climb up to the Ridgeway, a landscape scattered with evidence … Continue reading Poxwell
From the little valley of the River Piddle, escape into a landscape once ruled by Iron Age tribes. Climb up between the folds of the hills to Incombe Wood, the trees hiding earthworks of the long-gone farmers. Wander through the wide-open fields, where the ploughed soils or growing crops can silently reveal traces of their … Continue reading Piddletrenthide
Explore the forgotten lands of the Blackmore Vale. Begin high in the valley of the River Lydden, in the small hamlet of Duntish, and follow its winding streams through fields, farms, and pockets of ancient woodland. Pass through the little village of Buckland Newton, crossing its old ford, before climbing towards the edge of a … Continue reading Duntish
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
Wander through the hills and valleys of the Marshwood Vale, under the shadow of a number of hillforts. Pass Bettiscombe Manor, home of the fashion designer Jasper Conran, set amongst the small cushioned slopes at the foot of Pilsdon Pen. Follow the river to the hamlet of Pilsdon, where a loving community lives, helping those … Continue reading Bettiscombe
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
