Circle the natural wonder of Upton Heath. From its urban edge, weave between towering silver birch, aromatic heather, and the clumpy, sharp gorse. Pass the site of an old brickworks with views over the heathland to Poole Harbour. Its harsh environment often played the backdrop in Thomas Hardy novels, when it was only inhabited by … Continue reading Upton Heath
Delve deep into the thick woodland of Ferndown Forest. Trace the old driveway down to the ghost of a country manor replaced by newer builds of the modern age. The old country estate, once spanning the surroundings, leaves little in its wake but an old cottage lodge now swallowed by growing urbanisation. Wander the routes … Continue reading Ferndown Forest
Circle the magical woodland, forest, and heathland of Gore Heath and Morden Bog. The spiritual landscape of the Bronze Age became heavily farmed. The underlying clay was quarried and supplied bricks, tiles, pots, and drainpipes for local buildings, while the peat and heather provided heating and bedding. But the destruction of the soil, caused by … Continue reading Gore Heath and Morden Bog
Starting at the peak of a ridge, which splits the Blackmore Vale from the River Frome, wander the landscape that trained both World Champions and Olympians. Having grown from a Second World War Military hospital, pass the raceway and solar farm and enter into a more ancient landscape. Dip into the valley of the little … Continue reading Up Sydling
During the 19th century the railway flourished throughout the country, arriving in Dorset relatively late. The openings of the lines were celebrated with music, flags and apple cake, the first passengers often lucky school children. However, its life span was short. The terrain proved difficult, the costs unmanageable and the demand fell short in both … Continue reading Dorset Railways
Discover the vast, ancient royal hunting grounds of Cranborne Chase. Climb up the chalk hills to views across a landscape once loved and worshipped by our ancestors. Follow the footsteps of the Neolithic, over their earthworks and into the Iron Age. Cross the mysterious Dorset Cursus and follow the line of the mighty Roman road … Continue reading Sixpenny Handley
Watch the planes take off from Compton Abbas Airfield as you stroll down the county lane to Fontmell Down. Walk along the edge of the slopes with views over the hedge lined fields, woodland and church towers of the Blackmore Vale to Hambledon Hill. Venture deep into Fontmell Wood weaving through the trees and down … Continue reading Compton Abbas Airfield
Discover the largest ancient monument in the country. An earthwork that covers over seven miles, its path dipping into the valleys and skimming the hilltops. Set in a landscape, rich with spiritual burials, it puts Stonehenge to shame. Begin in the valley of the little Crichel Brook, following old tracks that once cut through the … Continue reading Long Crichel and the Dorset Cursus
