Starting in the Valley of the Winterborne at Winterborne Stickland discover the ancient cross, associated tree, church, pub and war memorial before climbing up the hill to woodland. Explore the tracks and trails through Charity Wood and on to Milton Wood, divided by a park pale that are the remains of an ancient deer park. … Continue reading Winterborne Stickland
Disappear into the secret valleys of Compton Valence. Weave through the deep interlocking spurs and up to view the hidden countryside, its contours perfect for the first Roman aqueduct. Drop down into the valley of the River Frome to Frampton, skirting a nature reserve with its own Roman villa. Explore the landscape of Frampton Park, … Continue reading Compton Valence to Frampton
Starting in one of the oldest villages in the county, climb up from Roman aqueduct remains to discover Neolithic and Bronze Age earthworks. Pass ancient county estates, with a family name that links to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Wander through woodland with fleeting views of the Frome Valley and beyond. Return via the … Continue reading Bradford Peverell
Explore by wheel, hoof or foot the chalk hills and river valleys of central Dorset. Scattered with earthworks and Roman remains, it merges with modern day settlement, woodland and water. Discover the church with an ancient canonical sundial carved into its wall and pass the haunted country house that was inspiration for Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far … Continue reading Cheselbourne
Travel through Bere Heath to the River Piddle and Bere Valley. Make your way through thick woodland and fern lined paths to pass the site of the ancient Turberville Manor. Climb up to Woodbury Hill Fort, with its forgotten holy well and powerful healing water, especially at the autumn equinox! Continue through the ancient wood … Continue reading Woodbury
From the depths of Thorncombe Woods discover the poet and author Thomas Hardy’s birthplace. Travel through the little village of Higher Bockhampton to Stinsford, following the footsteps of Roman soldiers. Pass numerous stately homes including Kingston Maurward, Birkin and Stinsford to meet the River Frome. Visit the memorial to Hardy at Stinsford church containing his … Continue reading Puddletown Forest, Stinsford and the River Frome
From the centre of Blandford, travel by foot, wheel or hoof over the meadows and out of town. Cross over the old railway and up the hill, where many Roman treasures have been discovered. Make your way through the ancient landscape of Little Down, skimming the estate of Inside Park, its manor having burnt to … Continue reading The Crown, Blandford
From the Smugglers Inn in Osmington Mills, cycle the hills and absorb the sights, to Lulworth Cove. Pass through the village of Osmington to admire the White Horse from the high ridge of Coombe Bottom to then descend and rise again at Ringstead. Enjoy the wide views from St Aldhem’s Head in the East to … Continue reading Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove – Bike Ride.
