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
Tag: River Stour
Dorset Inspiration
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
Guy’s Marsh
Wander through the valley of the Stirchell Brook, its name reflecting a small stream that can turn into a torrent. From an old US military hospital, which was innovative in its methods to motivate and rehabilitate, escape into the surrounding landscape. Discover the old village pub, Blacksmith's cottage and mill, all of which have managed … Continue reading Guy’s Marsh
Batcombe
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
Farnham to Chettle
From Augustus Pitt Rivers’ Victorian Museum Hotel, wander through his own estate village. Discover the roofed stocks and well house, complete with winding cogs, before reaching the church. Pass the old museum that housed his thousands of finds, guarded with gates from the demolished Eastbury House. Follow the medieval droveways to Chettle to find its … Continue reading Farnham to Chettle
Child Okeford and Hammoon
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
The World’s End
Walk through the low landscape of the Winterborne valley. Starting at one of the oldest pubs in Dorset, join tracks and trails alongside landscaped estates, into wild woodland and over open fields to Winterborne Zelston, home of the Botany Bay Inn. Trace the footsteps of the fateful, shackled convicts as they made their way to … Continue reading The World’s End
West and East Orchard
Walk through the wild landscape of West and East Orchard, deep in the Blackmore Vale. Land that was thick with forest, now tamed and harvested. Follow little lanes that connected fields of orchards, all under the control of ancient Dorset landowners. Look out for the hoof prints of Lazy Lawrence, the horse behind the local … Continue reading West and East Orchard