This month, I had the pleasure of descending into the heart of Dorset to revisit and refresh one of our ‘Landscapes and Seascapes of Dorset’ walks. The weather was nothing short of extraordinary—unseasonably warm, with sunlight spilling across the land.
I couldn’t resist visiting the old church at the trail’s start, where I was greeted by the elegant stonework of a Norman chancel arch, standing proudly since the 12th century—a true testament to the craftsmanship of its time.
As I wandered further, I approached an ancient Iron Age hill fort dating back to 500 BC. The long, gentle climb rewarded me with breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding countryside—a feast for the eyes in every direction. I spent some time just sitting up on the hill, enjoying a cooling breeze and admiring the views. If you take the time to pause you can feel the history in this ancient landscape. I thought about and imagined the people who have sat on this hill for thousands of years before me.
As I descended, a distant farm and village came into view, nestled quietly in this serene pocket of Dorset. This corner of the English countryside remains a haven of peace, where I encountered only birdsong and the occasional friendly local or a cheerful farmer, going about their day. My lunch stop was a welcome retreat from the midday sun—a moment to savour a local Dorset ale and a bite to eat before continuing my journey through the lush, rolling hills that led me back to the car.
Words and pictures from Alastair @FootTrails
