Explore the historically rich, golden hued village of Abbotsbury by wandering though crumbling ruins, which tower up to the sky, as well as those hidden, knocking at the ankles. Find ancient sculptures of long gone Abbots and holes from musket balls fired during the Civil War. Discover the medieval pond with the great tithe barn … Continue reading Abbotsbury Railway
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
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
Explore the hidden lanes of Batcombe, sitting on the lee of Batcombe Hill, fading into dead end roads. Walk through the scattered village, once wild and forested then granted to monks, passing the old pub and across to fields to the railway. Use the old droveways to make your way to the top of West … Continue reading Batcombe
Loders is a small village complete with church, manor and underground tunnels. Clamber through the ancient Holloways that run from the village along the edge of Waddon Hill, linking the valley of the River Asker to the valley of the Mangerton. Discover views across the Marshwood Vale to five prominent hill forts and even to … Continue reading Loders
Skim the southern corner of the Kingston Lacy estate, walking between the historically feuding neighbours land of the Bankes and the Charboroughs. Explore the medieval routes that once connected the estates to the surrounding land. Walk through the beech tree avenue, one of the most iconic scenes in the county, to reach Badbury Rings. Follow … Continue reading Kingston Lacy to Badbury Rings
Walk upstream following the little River Wey to its source. Climb Bayard Hill to the ridge, scattered with ancient tumuli and sliced by a Roman road. Cross the bridge over the new A354 to find the site of 54 brutally murdered and decapitated Vikings, with three skulls missing. Enjoy a rare panoramic view of almost … Continue reading Upwey and the South Dorset Ridgeway
Explore the history of Brownsea Island. From a defence to a sanctuary, it has seen the rise and fall of both settlement and industry. Managed by landowners who ranged from mad to depressed as well as hosting lavish parties for European royalty to hiding from the world, it has risen from the ashes twice and … Continue reading Brownsea Island
