Off the tourist trail on the Isle of Purbeck, filling the low land between Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour, is Wytch Heath. Follow medieval trails over little stone bridges through a once heavily industrial landscape, it’s resources tapped since the Bronze Age. Skim the oil refinery, hidden behind thick Corsican pines and hard working nodding donkeys, … Continue reading Wytch
From the home of the Knob throwing contest, climb the slopes of Cattistock Castle, the earthwork that towers over the village. Discover Chalmington, the country house whose previous owner made some dodgy smuggling deals and is still being chased by the American authorities. Wander through fields and through woodland to find the little River Frome … Continue reading Cattistock
Explore the hillfort of Eggardon by climbing the ramparts and roaming the plateau. Experience wide open views across West Dorset and the Jurassic Coastline, including the peaks of Golden Cap, Pilsdon Pen and, the highest point in the county, Lewesdon Hill. Wander along the ridge way, following the paths of Roman soldiers, dipping down into … Continue reading West Compton and Eggardon Hill
King Charles III, as the Duchy of Cornwall, created the architectural trailblazer that is Poundbury, the responsibility now falling to the new Duchy - Prince William. Start at the pub the King dedicated to his wife, in the Square dedicated to his grandmother. Wander between homes and shops, with no distinguishable difference, to skim the … Continue reading Poundbury – from The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
Wander through the landscape of Corfe, under the shadow of the famous Castle. Explore the village to find the hiding places of a murdered King and elusive treasure. Cut across medieval farming land before venturing onto the common, littered with ancient Bronze Age Barrows. Climb the hill to the little village of Kingston with a … Continue reading Corfe Castle to Kingston
After tracing the old route of the Bridport branch railway line to the village train station, clamber up the chalk hills using the old medieval route, its path passing the ruins of an old Blacksmith’s workshop. Wander between the fields and patches of woodland in a landscape still scarred by the Romans, their road skimming … Continue reading Maiden Newton
Discover the largest ancient monument in the country. An earthwork that covers over seven miles, its path dipping into the valleys and skimming the hilltops. Set in a landscape, rich with spiritual burials, it puts Stonehenge to shame. Begin in the valley of the little Crichel Brook, following old tracks that once cut through the … Continue reading Long Crichel and the Dorset Cursus
Start at the hidden village of Halstock, among the narrow valleys and shallow hills of North West Dorset. Follow the footsteps of our ancient ancestors along the oldest road in the country as it makes its way to Stonehenge. Pass the site of an impressive Roman Villa that was a complex of open courtyards, decorative … Continue reading Halstock and Sutton Bingham Reservoir
