Discover one of Dorset’s most beautiful, yet remote, coves on the Jurassic Coastline. From the little village of Kingston, high on the Purbeck ridge, wander through the woods of Encombe Estate. Clip the steep slopes as they roll down to the manor, Golden Bowl, and Purbeck Stone obelisk to reach Houns Tout, accompanied by views … Continue reading Chapman’s Pool
Circle the mighty hillfort of Ham Hill and climb to the peak of Montacute Castle, through deep holloways and thick woodland. Follow ramparts on the tips of the slopes with views across river valleys and the Somerset Levels. Cross ancient Roman roads and medieval village remains to discover the Roman crossroads haunted by a highwayman. … Continue reading Ham Hill
As small tribes farmed the Dorset landscape of the Iron Age, the political environment in the Roman Emipire was changing. Determined to expand they set their sights on Albion, forcing their way through with armed legions on newly developed roads, and renamed the country Britannia. New technologies, building practices, tools, skills, materials and beliefs were … Continue reading Roman Dorset
Circle the natural wonder of Upton Heath. From its urban edge, weave between towering silver birch, aromatic heather, and the clumpy, sharp gorse. Pass the site of an old brickworks with views over the heathland to Poole Harbour. Its harsh environment often played the backdrop in Thomas Hardy novels, when it was only inhabited by … Continue reading Upton Heath
Starting at the blue coastal waters of Swanage Bay, pass colourful beach huts and wooden groynes to climb through the residential estates to Ballard Down. Pass a 17th century farm, built from stone stolen from Corfe Castle, and weave through the trees to the base of the steep slopes. In the company of views over … Continue reading Swanage
Follow the valley of the River Corfe away from the famous castle ruins onto Corfe Common. Cross the old steam railway to arrive at the Saxon settlement of Woolgarston. Pass the thatched cottages, stone walls and wooden gates to reach the base of Brenscombe Hill. Climb up to the top of the Purbeck ridgeway, with … Continue reading Woolgarston
Discover a pocket of peace surrounded by three growing towns. From the golf course that sits on its edge, venture into the vast and wild landscape of Canford Heath. Weave between gnarly branches and fallen tree trunks on a terrain of sand, skimming industrial sites that border the nature reserve. Ride or walk along the … Continue reading Canford Heath
Buried in the folds of the fields and slopes is the small hamlet of Rodden, surrounding its old Manor House. Climb up the steep sided valley to the peak of Merry Hill, with views over an old railway line and out to sea. Pass converted barns, which have featured in films, to then join the … Continue reading Rodden
