Blackmore Vale Path
Total distance covered; 72 miles (116kms)
6 days walking, based in Dorchester
This 116kms (72 miles) ‘triangular’ route explores the beautiful and little-known rolling landscape of the Blackmore Vale and Hardy ‘Country’ in Dorset. At the corners of the ‘triangle’ are the handsome market towns of Yeovil, Blandford Forum and Dorchester. In between the three towns a varied walk which follows high downland ridges, pastoral paths beside clear chalk streams, bridlepaths through varied woodland, and quiet country lanes through picturesque villages.
The quiet countryside is rich in flowers and wildlife and the dates in early May have been chosen in the hope that the woods will be carpeted in bluebells, and the short downland grass bright with the yellow of bird’s-foot-trefoil and the purple of early purple orchids. Buzzards and Red Kite are frequently seen hovering overhead.
Highlights of the walk include the ‘planned’ estate village of Milton Abbas with its almshouses and thatched and white-washed cottages; the Martyr Tree at Tolpuddle; Hardy’s Birthplace at Higher Brockhampton; Cerne Abbas with its medieval tithe barn and chalk hill figure; Sherborne with its honey-coloured stone-built abbey and castle; the watermill and ancient arched bridge at Sturminster Newton; the idyllic villages of Godmanstone, Yetminster and Child Okeford; and the historic town of Dorchester, our base for this holiday.
What's included in the price of this holiday?
Holiday Options 2023
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Blandford Forum to Tolpuddle 13 miles (21kms)
Day 2: Tolpuddle to Dorchester 9 miles (15kms)
Day 3: Dorchester to Minterne Magna 12 miles (19kms)
Day 4: Minterne Magna to Yeovil 12 miles (19kms)
Day 5: Yeovil to Stalbridge 13 miles (21kms)
Day 6: Stalbridge to Blandford Forum 13 miles (21kms)
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