From deep within Dorset’s valleys, brush the border with Devon. Skim past Sadborow Estate, its former owners once painted by Gainsborough, separated then reunited in Dorchester. Weave through woodland, cross gentle streams, and climb up into Marshwood, where views stretch across the vale to the distant sea. Among the hilltops of Pilsdon Pen and Lambert’s … Continue reading Birdsmoorgate
Before they were roads, they were only paths. Across Dorset, routes emerged slowly, worn into the land by centuries of passage, shifting with weather and season, never entirely fixed. Some followed high ground, others slipped into holloways or vanished altogether, leaving travellers to trust instinct as much as direction. Then came the Turnpikes. Order was imposed … Continue reading Dorset Turnpikes
From deep within the Marshwood Vale, wander through fields, farms and forgotten droves to Stoke Mill. Cross the River Char, flowing down from the slopes of Pilsdon Pen, and follow the old road through its quiet valley. As the river slowly reclaims the track, climb the hill to Purcombe Farm. Join the nature trails to … Continue reading Broadoak and Denhay
Trace the footsteps of Roman soldiers along the ridgetop of a prehistoric landscape. Drop down into quiet valleys scattered with crumbling farms and weathered barns, then cross the old turnpike road that has grown into one of Dorset’s most important routes. Climb Martin’s Down to reveal sweeping views of Lyme Bay, the Jurassic Coast, and … Continue reading Long Bredy
Explore the ancient woodland, glistening stream, open meadows and varied wildlife of Brackett’s Coppice. Weave between ancient Oaks and the once common Wild Service Trees, along paths permitted by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Follow the valley up into Higher Halstock, skimming the boundary with Somerset. Pass through fields and farms as the rivers flow towards … Continue reading Brackett’s Coppice
Delve down into the deep valley of Fishpond Bottom, exploring that last corner of Dorset to emerge from the anciently wild landscape. From the peak of Lambert’s Castle, cross the ridge to skim the Iron Age ramparts of Coney’s Castle. Drop down the steep slopes to the boggy rivers that once fed the medieval monks … Continue reading Fishpond Bottom
Wonder along the old drove roads of hidden Dorset. Cross the single track railway as it travels from Yeovil to Weymouth under the shadow of the haunting Bubb Hill. Visit the little St Mary’s Church, with a broken gravestone of a murder victim, before following the country lanes between the oak lined fields. Skim the … Continue reading Redford
From the thatched cottages of Milton Abbas, discover the site of the lost village of Middleton. Take advantage of open access areas and venture deep into woodland to find hidden holloways, earthworks and ruins. Climb out of the valley to explore the medieval drove roads as they criss-cross the chalk slopes of central Dorset, following … Continue reading Milton Abbas to Gallows Corner
