Claimed to be one of the oldest settlements in Dorset, the River Frome has shaped Stoborough’s growth as an ancient causeway provided access over the water. After surviving many Viking attacks, the Civil War led to its downfall when the village sacrificed itself to save the town of Wareham. It never returned to its earlier … Continue reading Ridge
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
From the busy town of Yeovil, weave through the waterfalls, pools, grottos and stone arches to climb up to the Roman road once linking the ancient towns of Durnovaria and Lindinis. Discover the follies of Barwick estate, dotted on the hilltops to mark the four points of the compass. Dip down to the fine country … Continue reading Ninesprings
From a nature reserve that has grown from a chalk quarry, carved into the steep slopes, discover the little, lost hamlet of Muckleford. Follow the floodplains of the River Frome to the cursed estate of Frampton Court with its decorative Peacock Bridge, claimed to have been built by Christopher Wren. Leave the medieval landscape behind … Continue reading Muckleford
Starting in one of the longest villages of the county, explore the landscape of the medieval royal hunting ground of Gillingham Forest. Pass through the avenue of trees on Frog Lane to climb up to the ancient Kingsettle Wood, providing views over the Blackmore Vale. Follow the railway back towards the village, past a lost … Continue reading Motcombe
Explore Christchurch with a history much deeper than its surrounding harbour waters. Find the Priory, its location selected by a divine being and the wood carved by Jesus himself. Wander the ruins of the castle and the Norman Hall, the medieval hotel for royalty, with its toilet hanging over the little mill stream. Discover secret … Continue reading Christchurch
Delve deep into the thick woodland of Ferndown Forest. Trace the old driveway down to the ghost of a country manor replaced by newer builds of the modern age. The old country estate, once spanning the surroundings, leaves little in its wake but an old cottage lodge now swallowed by growing urbanisation. Wander the routes … Continue reading Ferndown Forest
Discover a hidden landscape, untouched for centuries. Climb the peaks of the hills surrounded by hillforts, ancient barrows and stone henges. Follow the ridge with views across the Jurassic coastline and discover a number of ruined farms. Delve down into the valley to find the old Abbotsbury Railway line, now just earthworks slicing through the … Continue reading Friar Waddon
