Circle the magical woodland, forest and heathland of Gore Heath and Morden Bog. The spiritual landscape of the Bronze Age became heavily farmed. The underlying clay was quarried and supplied bricks, tiles, pots and drainpipes for local buildings while the peat and heather provided heating and bedding. But the destruction of the soil, caused by … Continue reading Gore Heath and Morden Bog
From the golden stone town of Beaminster, follow the little river Brit to the skeletal remains of Parnham House. Walk through the Deer park, once cordoned off as a crime scene, up the hill and into the woods. Discover a deeply carved Holloway, its route cut into the landscape by generations of both hooves and … Continue reading Parnham
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
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
The delicate little white flower signifies the coming of spring! They can easily be found anywhere in the county - on grass verges, climbing up river banks and deep in woodland - but for an extra special sight, see the list below... Please tread carefully! It is also possible to follow the snowdrops as they … Continue reading Dorset Snowdrops
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
From the unassuming town of Gillingham, where Kings hunted their precious deer and artists painted the countryside, explore the landscape trapped between three rivers. Wander the last few fields before they are encased in development, crossing a brand new road. Skim the edge of the Royal Forest, over medieval trackways, to the hamlet of Madjeston, … Continue reading Madjeston
