Starting in the maze of narrow lanes, deep in the Marshwood Vale, trace the footsteps of a saint and the many pilgrims who followed. Visit the shrine of St Wite, a young girl who lived a life of isolation but in saving others, lost her own. Her legacy has survived for centuries, her tomb believed … Continue reading Morcombelake
From Dorset’s second highest peak, wander into a landscape that echoes with tales of murder and mystery. Enjoy the wide open views of billowing fields as they dip to the Jurassic Coast then venture into the hidden valleys and wild forests once defended by the ancient Durotrigian tribe and walked by William Wordsworth. Discover the … Continue reading Pilsdon Pen
From a golden shingle corner of Chesil Beach, climb up to the peak of Bind Barrow, complete with panoramic views of Lyme Bay. The empty beach and wide blue sea played a crucial role in the D-Day landings, with American troops scaling the cliffs for training and the sea turning black with boats on the … Continue reading Burton Bradstock
Loders is a small village complete with church, manor and underground tunnels. Clamber through the ancient Holloways that run from the village along the edge of Waddon Hill, linking the valley of the River Asker to the valley of the Mangerton. Discover views across the Marshwood Vale to five prominent hill forts and even to … Continue reading Loders
From the little village of Symondsbury, walk along the permissive paths of the estate to Dorset’s most impressive Holloways. Hidden deep within the sandstone and amongst the roots of trees, it creates a secret and mystical atmosphere. Climb to the top of Colmer’s Hill, to stand at the peak, in the centre of the pine … Continue reading Colmer’s Hill
Wander through the hills and valleys of the Marshwood Vale, under the shadow of a number of hillforts. Pass Bettiscombe Manor, home of the fashion designer Jasper Conran, set amongst the small cushioned slopes at the foot of Pilsdon Pen. Follow the river to the hamlet of Pilsdon, where a loving community lives, helping those … Continue reading Bettiscombe
From the shingle and fossil lined beach at Seatown make your way inland to discover the medieval Chideock Castle earthworks, marked with a cross to celebrate the martyrs. Follow a route that echos the coast of Great Britain on to Dorset’s most famous Holloway of Hell Lane. Hidden almost underground it would have been filled … Continue reading Seatown, Chideock and Golden Cap
Exploring three Iron Age hillforts that surround the Marshwood Vale. Towering above the landscape the views stretch for miles. In working with The Times Newspaper a route through Fishponds Bottom is available. Distance: From a mile to as long as you like. Both hillforts are open access areas and so no route is defined.Time: At … Continue reading Coney’s Castle, Lambert’s Castle and Pilsdon Pen.
