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
Dip down to the stone outcrops and curving coves of Durdle Door and Man o War. Hear the roar of the shingle pulled back by waves which claimed the lives of the maidens of Lulworth Castle. Climb up the cliff of Swyre Head to meet the chalk arch embedded into Bat's Head. Continue to wander … Continue reading Durdle Door
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
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
After clambering over the pebble beach of Chesil, turn away from the sea to wander along the old roads that were used by many coastal foragers of the Victorian age. Venture further inland to discover the old manor of Berwick before weaving through a number of peaceful fishponds sitting on the banks of the River … Continue reading Cogden Beach
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
Escape the crowds of the Jurassic Coast and explore the deep, hidden valleys lost in time. From Langton Matravers follow the footsteps of the smugglers straight to the hiding place of their loot; the paths also trodden by Hollywood stars and renowned authors. Climb down the short but sweet slopes to the wild wood of … Continue reading Langton Matravers
