A trek you can time with the trains! Starting in the little village of Buckhorn Weston, climb the earthwork covered slopes to the top of the hill with wide open views across the Blackmore Vale. Walk through a landscape of champions as you pass the original National Stud to Tunnel Head. The old race tracks … Continue reading Buckhorn Weston
Delve into the wild landscape of Powerstock Common. Rub shoulders with deer, boar and wild ponies before following the dismantled railway through the trees. Discover a number of railway remains, some abandoned and some reused, as well as Ganger’s Hut, originally a shelter for people, now a home for bats. Leave the forest to explore … Continue reading Powerstock Forest
Times are tough and purse strings are tied tight so what better way to still enjoy the holidays than embark on an adventure into Dorset’s countryside. The cost of an adventure park for a family is often way out of limits, but may be completely unnecessary! Dorset is rich with treasure, surprises, secrets, mystery and … Continue reading Dorset Inspiration
From the little village of Wool, the name deriving from springs rather than sheep, clamber over its old earthworks to reach the remains of the once impressive monastery of Bindon. Follow the little country lane parallel to the flood plains of the River Frome to discover the ruins of St Mary’s church, buried in brambles, … Continue reading Wool and Bindon Abbey
Explore the hidden lanes of Batcombe, sitting on the lee of Batcombe Hill, fading into dead end roads. Walk through the scattered village, once wild and forested then granted to monks, passing the old pub and across to fields to the railway. Use the old droveways to make your way to the top of West … Continue reading Batcombe
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
Follow the River Stour as it meanders through the valley under the shadow of Hambledon Hill. Visit an island nature reserve, with the river lapping at its banks and otters splashing in the water, before arriving at the old Somerset and Dorset railway line. Cross fields and farms to the secret village of Hammoon, hidden … Continue reading Child Okeford and Hammoon
A celebration of cheese! Saturday 10th September - Sunday 11th September 2022 Set in Sturminster Newton in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, the Cheese Festival was introduced to reflect the market town and the surrounding landscape’s heritage, showcasing award winning local produce. The Blackmore Vale is split from the south by the Iron Age … Continue reading The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
