Where the hills meet, splitting the mysterious Blackmore Vale from the ancient Cranborne Chase, the River Stour carves its way through the chalk. Sitting above the valley is Travellers Rest, hidden amongst the interlocking slopes scarred with ancient fields. A stopping place for generations of Romaine gypsies, the tracks and trails that mark the landscape … Continue reading Travellers Rest
Sponsored by Kington Magna Parish Council The Kington Magna Millennium Walk. Enjoy a small circular stroll up, down, through and around the little village of Kington Magna. Introduced to mark the millennium, the route visits a church, with arguably the best ecclesial view of the county, looking over the Blackmore Vale from the steep slopes … Continue reading Kington Magna Millennium Walk
Start in the settlement of Thornford, named after a river crossing and bordered by two growing streams. Wander the back lanes to the site of a Roman villa amongst a collection of lime kilns across the valley. Discover the musically rich Mill Farm, once a grist mill now a bustling smallholding full of llamas, sheep … Continue reading Thornford to Bradford Abbas
Explore the mythical village of Trent, complete with King Arthur's Sword of Excalibur. Savour the golden medieval buildings scattered around a Manor House, the roads lined with original flagstones. Discover the church and its rare spire, topped with a copper cockerel weathervane, while internally it is host to a number of treasures. Pass Trent Manor, … Continue reading Trent
Under the shadow of Dungeon and Dogbury hillforts, discover the medieval, forested village of Glanvilles Wootton. Pass the healing waters of Chalybeate Spring and the manor that has grown through time. Explore the land owned by a famous highwayman and the ancient family of the UK Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. Follow the footsteps of … Continue reading Glanvilles Wootton
Explore the wild and untamed heart of the Blackmore Vale. Find ancient oaks that once filled the landscape with forest. Follow the footsteps of medieval hunters, while on the pursuit for the famous King’s Stag, to uncover the legend living on in the village name. Pass manor houses, sitting high on the river banks looking … Continue reading Stock Gaylard, King’s Stag and Lydlinch
From the hamlet of Stoford, surrounded by a selection of medieval buildings, cross over the stream to enter into Dorset. Climb the hills, marked with landowners natural and manmade decoration, to the mysterious village of Ryme Intrinseca, accompanied with legends of a golden table taken during the reformation and buried somewhere in the open countryside. … Continue reading Ryme Intrinseca and Clifton Maybank
Walk along the county boundary that divides Somerset and Dorset. Start in the hidden village of Sandford Orcas, tucked into the narrow valley. Pass an ancient Manor House which claims to be home to many restless spirits, mostly manufactured by the owner. Meet the source of the River Yeo, a modest overgrown and hidden spot … Continue reading Sandford Orcas to Poyntington
