Climb to the summit of what many believe to be King Arthur’s Camelot. From Cadbury Castle's peak, gaze across the Somerset Levels to Glastonbury Tor and King Alfred’s Tower, a landscape once transformed by the sea or cloaked in wild woodland, where medieval royalty hunted between the trees. Wander among the mighty ramparts to uncover … Continue reading Cadbury Castle
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
Wander beneath the thick canopy of Wareham Forest, following the Sika Trail toward Wareham itself. Cross the railway tracks to reach the River Piddle, where a 15th-century bridge carries you over its quiet waters. Climb the hill to discover one of the most remarkable Saxon churches in the country, then descend along the ancient Saxon … Continue reading Coldharbour
From Thomas Hardy’s village of Marlott, wander the old tracks once trodden by Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Pass her childhood cottage and drift into open fields, past a weathered stone quarry and an avenue of trees near the site of a Roman temple. Follow the sunken path of Leigh Lane as it drops into the … Continue reading King’s Mill
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
Explore the historically rich landscape split by two rivers and conquered by Iron Age tribes, the Romans, and Wessex Kings. From the River Stour’s shoreline at Eye Bridge, follow the water downstream to the shallow ford that was topped by Julian’s Bridge. Wander through the medieval town of Wimborne to its Saxon Minster, complete with … Continue reading Wimborne
Fishpond Bottom. Delve down into the deep valley of Fishpond Bottom, exploring that last corner of Dorset to emerge from the anciently wild landscape. From the peak of Lambert’s Castle, cross the ridge to skim the Iron Age ramparts of Coney’s Castle. Drop down the steep slopes to the boggy rivers that once fed the … Continue reading Fishpond Bottom
Wander along the old drove roads of hidden Dorset. Cross the single track railway as it travels from Yeovil to Weymouth under the shadow of the haunting Bubb Hill. Visit the little St Mary’s Church, with a broken gravestone of a murder victim, before following the country lanes between the oak lined fields. Skim the … Continue reading Redford
