South West England is a place of myths, legends and stories. Of chalk downs, hillforts, barrows, ghost villages and traditions that have lingered for centuries. The region’s stories are inseparable from its landscape, much of which has been inhabited since the Stone Age.
At Foot Trails, we believe these aspects are as integral as the landscapes for experiencing a the truly authentic side of South West England. Which is why we weave the history, legends and traditions of the region you’re exploring into our trail guides.
One of the new walks that we’ve created this year for our Thomas Hardy’s Dorset trip, takes in what many believe to be the most haunted locations in the county of Dorset. A twelfth century church built in the centre of a Neolithic stone circle (described by English Heritage as “one of the great Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial complexes in southern England”).
The church was once part of a thriving hamlet that was abandoned centuries ago due to an outbreak of the bubonic plague. The church continued to be used until the 18th century, when the roof caved in. According to local legend, though, the real reason the church fell into ruin was due to the devil stealing the bell and throwing it into a nearby river.
If you’d like to hike these ancient paths this summer, now is the perfect time to book. Simply visit our trip page or send us an email.
