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
From the little village of Iwerne Minster, climb up the chalk hills to views over the Blackmore Vale. Head between anciently farmed fields of the Iron Age and medieval periods, passing earthworks of a lost medieval farmstead and a Bulls Pit, to reach the causeway of Boyne’s Lane. Cross the historic route, used by King … Continue reading Stubhampton Bottom
Circle Clatworthy Reservoir, on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Created in 1959 and opened in 1961, it is a popular fishing spot and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The dam has trapped the River Tone, flooding a number of long gone villages and settlements. On the peaks are remnants and ruins … Continue reading Clatworthy
From the thatched cottages of Milton Abbas, discover the site of the lost village of Middleton. Take advantage of open access areas and venture deep into woodland to find hidden holloways, earthworks and ruins. Climb out of the valley to explore the medieval drove roads as they criss-cross the chalk slopes of central Dorset, following … Continue reading Milton Abbas to Gallows Corner
Climb up a prominent ridge which splits the West Country in two. Where springs of the River Parrett, Yeo, Axe and Brit combine, sits Winyard’s Gap. Wander through its earthwork-laden slopes, full of tales of murder, kidnap and mystery. Delve down into the valley of the ancient Harrow Way, surrounded by high peaks, which provide … Continue reading Winyard’s Gap
Hidden to the west of Weymouth are the secret beaches of the Fleet Lagoon. Wander past nature reserves and deserted military ranges, with views across the water to Chesil Beach. Cut through fields, farms, and caravan sites to reach the lost village of Fleet. Explore its ruined church, destroyed by a tsunami during the Great … Continue reading East Fleet
Weave through the hidden paths, between interlocking spurs, high up in the valley of the River Frome. From a tunnel, carved into the chalk, climb out of the valley to drop back down to the river where sheep were once washed. Merge onto the old road, passing ruins of lives gone by, to Frome St … Continue reading Holywell
