The area was new to us for walking – like many locals we would generally shoot past on the A30, on our way elsewhere. But a recent unplanned detour through the beautiful quiet valleys north of Sherborne persuaded us to go back and explore properly. So we plotted out a 10 mile route and gave it a go – and we’re so pleased we did!
To follow this route using the Outdooractive App, please find the route here.
Corton Denham is a lovely village to start (the excellent Queen’s Arms – Taste of the West Gold and Five AA Stars – is open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm. An excellent plan to look forward to at the end of the walk!), and parking should be simple on the roadside.
The route is easygoing and well marked, and takes in parts of both the Monarch’s Way along Corton Ridge, from which you get those spectacular views of the Levels, and the Macmillan Way through the pretty village of Sandford Orcas.
Unusually for us there are small sections of lane walking, but none were busy or too long. Sometimes, going through the villages is an interesting alternative!
We walked on a warm but overcast day, with drizzle constantly threatening the nearby hills. On a clear day I suspect the views will be utterly stunning.
