From the expanding settlement of Sturminster Marshall, explore its church, timber-framed cottages, pub, and lost village remains, all set along the banks of the River Stour. Follow the route of the medieval road towards Blandford, crossing the old packhorse bridge before joining the route of the former Somerset and Dorset Railway. Cross the old turnpike … Continue reading Sturminster Marshall
Before they were roads, they were only paths. Across Dorset, routes emerged slowly, worn into the land by centuries of passage, shifting with weather and season, never entirely fixed. Some followed high ground, others slipped into holloways or vanished altogether, leaving travellers to trust instinct as much as direction. Then came the Turnpikes. Order was imposed … Continue reading Dorset Turnpikes
From the small valley of the River Tarrant, with a hidden church shielding one of the most important monuments in North Dorset, scale the hills using an ancient route. Pass the site of a Roman villa and on to an Iron Age settlement, its earthworks ploughed into the soil or hidden in trees. Discover the … Continue reading Tarrant Hinton
Without bridges, the landscape can become a puzzle of islands, sewn together by deep channels of water, only accessible by getting wet or by boat. Today they are crossed without notice, their relevance heightened on the rare occasions they are closed for repairs, requiring substantial diversions. Beginning as fords, raised river beds that required constant … Continue reading Dorset Bridges, Viaducts and Tunnels
Cut through a corner of the Blackmore Vale, along peaceful country lanes, ancient tracks and old drove roads. Pass historic farms, country manors and the oldest working post-box in the country. Discover two medieval packhorse bridges, a lost turnpike road and the vineyards that produce the grapes for Sherborne Castle. Distance: 6 miles/9km Duration: 2-3 … Continue reading Bishop’s Caundle
Explore the little villages of the Fifeheads. Discover a giant mausoleum in the churchyard in Fifehead Neville and the packhorse bridge over the River Devilish (one of only a few surviving in the county). Pass the site of one of Dorset’s most impressive Roman villas, which has unearthed Roman jewellery, elegant stone columns and elaborate … Continue reading Fifehead Neville
