From the home of Dorset’s most famous poet discover the landscape that was the inspiration for Stonehenge. Drop down into the meadows of the River Frome, crossing the oldest railway of the county. Follow the river downstream to West Stafford skimming the home of an Oscar winning film director. Weave with the little river of … Continue reading Max Gate
Explore the hidden corners of Wareham Forest by following the footsteps of King Edward’s entourage as they carried his murdered corpse from Wareham to Shaftesbury. Pass isolated thatched cottages and renovated chapels to cross the old turnpike road into thick woodland, rough gorse and scented heather. Climb the ramparts of Woolsbarrow to views over the … Continue reading Bloxworth
From the large, golden stone village of Milborne Port, cross the county boundary out of Somerset and into Dorset. Meet the hedges of the lost London Road, its route heavily used until the introduction of the turnpikes. Enter the little hamlet of Goathill complete with its cave, church and old mill, and cross the river … Continue reading Goathill
From an ancient stone bridge, with tales of life and death, follow the River Frome upstream through Thomas Hardy’s 'Vale of the Great Dairies'. Walk between the river and Dorset’s busiest railway to the hamlet of East Stoke. Skim the site of its lost chapel and pass its converted church up to the old turnpike … Continue reading Holmebridge
Without bridges, the landscape can become a puzzle of islands, sewn together by deep channels of water, only accessible by getting wet or by boat. Today they are crossed without notice, their relevance heightened on the rare occasions they are closed for repairs, requiring substantial diversions. Beginning as fords, raised river beds that required constant … Continue reading Dorset Bridges, Viaducts and Tunnels
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
Start in the hidden car park and picnic area on the slopes of Buckham Down to follow the peak of the high ridge. Admire wide open views of scattered patchwork fields to both the north and south, with contrasting vistas inland and out to sea. Cross over the 'first ever' road tunnel to the top … Continue reading Buckham Down
