Garden design, development and embellishment became the fashion amongst the landowning gentry of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, splashing their cash on elements that had no purpose other to be admired. ‘Sanctuaries’, ‘observatories’, ‘thinking towers’, 'memorials' and 'commemorations' popped up on hilltops and in hidden valleys, usually viewable through the manors windows. A selection … Continue reading Dorset’s Follies and Obelisks
From the forgotten village of Coombe Keynes, complete with a mass burial from the plague and a cottage haunted by witches, climb out to the valley to the high chalk hills. Weave through the ancient forest to descent into Winfrith Newburgh before taking the old smugglers route to the sea. Delve down into the little … Continue reading Coombe Keynes
Explore the little bowl of Kimmeridge. Climb up its easterly peak to the Clavell Tower, once a folly then a coastguard station now a holiday home. Skim the wide open bay, darkened by its precious black rock, to Gaulter Gap. Follow the little river upstream to reach the hidden hamlet, so out of the way … Continue reading Kimmeridge
Starting at the peak of a ridge, which splits the Blackmore Vale from the River Frome, wander the landscape that trained both World Champions and Olympians. Having grown from a Second World War Military hospital, pass the raceway and solar farm and enter into a more ancient landscape. Dip into the valley of the little … Continue reading Up Sydling
Buried in the folds of the deep, dry chalk valleys, used by the Romans to source water for their fountain filled town of Durnovaria, sits Wynford Eagle. The manor house dominates the scene, topped with a stone eagle to honour the medieval family that gave the hamlet its name. The following family experienced tragedy with … Continue reading Wynford Eagle
Venture into the Park of Melbury on one of Dorset’s most famous walks. From the ancient stones of The Three Maidens, punished for dancing on the Sabbath, enter the park via old rides that once scattered the estate. Discover Lucerne Lake, named after the famous lake of Switzerland to find the old thatched boat house. … Continue reading Melbury Sampford
Skim the surface of the moon-like landscape of the Isle of Portland. Find ruins of Victorian military defences, complete with tunnels which disappear into the darkness, before arriving at the cliff tops providing views for miles along the Jurassic coastline. Discover the towering structure of the Nicodemus Knob and the deep carved hole of the … Continue reading Fortuneswell
Discover the wide open, ancient royal hunting grounds of Cranborne Chase. Climb up the chalk hills to view the landscape loved and worshiped by our ancestors. Follow the footsteps of the Neolithic over their earthworks and into the Iron Age. Cross the mysterious Dorset Cursus to reach the impressive Roman Road of Ackling Dyke. Trace … Continue reading Sixpenny Handley
