This is one of our favourite long walking routes in Dorset. At 14.4 miles you’ll need a full day for this one: it takes us six hours including a stop for lunch. But it’s worth it – this is such a beautiful route across the local big ridges, starting at Rawlsbury Camp.
The paths are clearly signed, the views are hige and endless … but expect tired legs by the end. You have to earn those views, there is a LOT of Dorset hill to climb!
Ancient forests, drovers tracks, the Dorsetshire Gap, minimal roads … it’s just a Dorset dream of a walk. One word of warning – a couple of spots will be very muddy after bad weather, so really good boots a must.
Setting off around the side of Rawlsbury Camp, we were set for a pretty wet day.
Following one of the main ancient holloways through the Dorsetshire Gap forest. Spot Courtenay and you will gain the perspective of the trees.
A rare spot of sunshine as we look out across Lyscombe Bottom.
The ancient Green lane to Gallows Corner.
A favourite pause where the bridleways cross on the ridge of Lyscombe Hill.
Wet (very) again on the aproach to Milton Abbey school.
