Off the tourist trail on the Isle of Purbeck, filling the low land between Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour, is Wytch Heath. Follow medieval trails over little stone bridges through a once heavily industrial landscape, its resources tapped since the Bronze Age. Skim the oil refinery, hidden behind thick Corsican pines and hard working nodding donkeys, … Continue reading Wytch
Skim the southern corner of the Kingston Lacy estate, walking between the historically feuding neighbours of the Bankes and the Erles. Explore the medieval routes that once connected the estates to the surrounding countryside. Walk through the beech tree avenue, one of the most iconic scenes of the county, to reach Badbury Rings. Follow the … Continue reading Kingston Lacy to Badbury Rings
Starting at the village pub, St Peter's Finger, wander between country estates and World War crash sites, not all with a sorry ending. Discover the old roads of the landscape, one topped with concrete the other with grass breaking through. Explore the county lanes and medieval woodland tracks to Foxhill, with views across an ancient … Continue reading St Peter’s Finger
Explore the history of Brownsea Island. From a defence to a sanctuary, it has seen the rise and fall of both settlement and industry. Managed by landowners who ranged from mad to depressed as well as hosting lavish parties for European royalty to hiding from the world, it has risen from the ashes twice and … Continue reading Brownsea Island
Travel through the vastness of time along the sandy coast of Hengistbury Head. Once a bustling settlement during the Stone Age, Iron Age and Roman period it became an important gateway into the rest of the country, but is now a peaceful nature reserve. Stroll along the beach with views across the sea to the … Continue reading Hengistbury Head
From the Mason's pub of the Square and Compass, in the limestone village of Worth Matravers, discover the caves of Winspit. Looking out to sea, the ghost like movie set was once a bustle of activity providing stone for the most prestigious of buildings all over the world. Follow the paths of local smugglers and … Continue reading Worth Matravers and Dancing Ledge
From the small coastal village of Studland make your way along the cliff tops to Old Harry’s Rocks. Now a stump, a stack and a bit of no man’s land, the peak once housed a castle. Both the caves below and the name are linked to a famous local pirate, whose reputation struck fear into … Continue reading Old Harry’s Rocks
Begin in the quiet village of Furzebrook, once the beating heart of Dorset’s clay industry, where the earth helped shape the world-famous Wedgwood pottery. Pass the village manor which was left so worn and weathered by the Second World War that its owners never returned. Continue towards the enchanting Blue Pool, its waters shifting between turquoise … Continue reading Furzebrook and the Blue Pool
