Wander beneath the thick canopy of Wareham Forest, following the Sika Trail toward Wareham itself. Cross the railway tracks to reach the River Piddle, where a 15th-century bridge carries you over its quiet waters. Climb the hill to discover one of the most remarkable Saxon churches in the country, then descend along the ancient Saxon … Continue reading Coldharbour
Hidden behind a modern industrial estate, discover the sandy shores of Poole Harbour. Follow the old route of the military railway in its first phase of development to create the Cordite Way. Passing between the water and nature reserves, trace the old ruins down to the trains that still pass today. With views to Poole, … Continue reading Cordite Way
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
Climb up a prominent ridge which splits the West Country in two. Where springs of the River Parrett, Yeo, Axe and Brit combine, sits Winyard’s Gap. Wander through its earthwork-laden slopes, full of tales of murder, kidnap and mystery. Delve down into the valley of the ancient Harrow Way, surrounded by high peaks, which provide … Continue reading Winyard’s Gap
Hidden to the west of Weymouth are the secret beaches of the Fleet Lagoon. Wander past nature reserves and deserted military ranges, with views across the water to Chesil Beach. Cut through fields, farms, and caravan sites to reach the lost village of Fleet. Explore its ruined church, destroyed by a tsunami during the Great … Continue reading East Fleet
From a little ruin of a lime kiln, embedded in the slopes, climb up to the South Dorset Ridgeway. Pass stone circles, dolmen, megaliths and barrows all in the company of wide open views of the Jurassic Coastline. Dip down into the wooded valley of the 17th century Gorwell Farm, surrounded by stone barns, steep … Continue reading South Dorset Ridgeway
Enter into the wooded landscape of Hurn Forest. Skim the busy Bournemouth International Airport, where the growl of the engines can shake the trees. Ride or walk along the ridge as it rises up above the hidden Moors River valley. Weave between the towering trunks merging on to tracks coming from many different directions. Curve … Continue reading Hurn
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
