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
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
A two-mile trail, featuring nine artistic stiles, promoting the village's history and landscape while supporting community projects, local businesses and well-being initiatives. Introduction Summary Participants Village History Route All Accessible Route The Stile Trail (click and zoom for larger image) Officially opened by Steve Harris from BBC Radio Dorset on 28th June 2025 at The … Continue reading The Stourton Caundle Stile Trail
From Stourhead to Hengistbury Head, the river flows for over 61 miles through the heart of Dorset. The names derives from the Old English meaning 'Strong One', providing Dorset with the lifeblood that led to its development in the form of food, water, transportation, communication and defence. Explore the landscape, all along its course, crossing … Continue reading River Stour
Under the shadow of Melbury Beacon, follow the magical, healing springs of the Fontmell Brook. Starting at the waterfalls and lakes of Collyer’s Brook, with towering earthworks on the slopes to the east, enter into a hidden corner of the Blackmore Vale. Passing medieval fishponds and wild nature reserves, with views to Hambledon Hillfort, discover … Continue reading Fontmell Magna
The life of William Barnes in the Dorset landscape (22 February 1801 – 7 October 1886) https://videopress.com/v/Y58zWF4K?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true William Barnes The farmer’s boy, who grew up in the countryside, is undeservedly overshadowed by the more famous Thomas Hardy, but there would be no Hardy without Barnes. The poet, writer, inventor, artist, mathematician and priest was born … Continue reading William Barnes
From Manston, deep in the Blackmore Vale, discover its little church and mausoleum, used to house perished loved ones until cremation was made legal. Wander across the floodplains of the River Stour to Fontmell Parva and its large 17th century country house. Climb up Porter's Hill, using the little trackways that connected isolated farms, to … Continue reading Fontmell Parva
