Buckland Newton to Sherborne

Buckland Newton to Sherborne

Description

25th March 2014
Walking Distance 12 Miles

The day started in Buckland Newton with bright sunny weather. The church clock struck 8 as I passed it.. After a climb to Gales Hill there one there are lovely views in several directions. Following the track west from there one gets sight of Minterne House and if you have the energy, a little way on you can climb Dogbury hill  for further great views. The lane northwest from Dogbury Gate takes one to Stonerush Drove and Higher Holnest. The ground became very muddy due to recent rains. By the time I was nearing Longburton it had started to rain so I deviated from my planned path and walked up some of the A352 but was rewarded with a good lunch at the Rose and Crown. The path from Long Burton proceeds via West Hall and Green Lane. This was a lovely section but very muddy. After crossing the A3030 that a descent down through woods via Gainsborough Hill led me into Sherborne.

 

Leg 2 GPX
GPX files can downloaded and used in GPS units and Smartphone GPS apps. You can also download open it in  www.bikehike.co.uk on bing maps to view on an OS map.


Leg 2 KML
This may open in Google maps for viewing. A down arrow on the top left of the map should allow you to download the file. You can then open it in Google Earth and do a 'flying tour'

 

Public Transport to Buckland Newton

Damory 307 Stalbridge Dorchester
Damory 368 Yeovil Sturminster Newton (via Sherborne)

Buckland Newton Church

Climb from Buckland Newton to Gales Hill

View of Minterne House

View across Blackmore Vale near Dogbury Gate on A 352

Near High Holnest

Approaching Sherborne down Gainsborough Hill

Sherborne Abbey

Okeford Hill to Buckland Newton

11th March 2014
Walking distance 11 miles.

Description

I started my walk on a rather dull day in March 2014, but nevertheless it was very enjoyable day. Starting out from Okeford Hill one gets a very good sense of where the Blackmore Vale lies from the wonderful views..There is an interesting diversion at Ringmoor where there was an Iron Age settlement has a wildlife pond. The views continued as I approached Bulbarrow Hill (the 3rd highest point in Dorset) and then from Rawlesbury camp with its large wooden cross there are further views west to the Dorsetshire Gap . One could stick to the Wessex Ridgeway all the way but I deviated for a visit to the Fox Inn at Lower Ansty for an excellent lunch before rejoining it to reach the Dorsetshire Gap which was an important junction of 5 highways in medieval times. . After Folly Farm there is a further climb to Ball Hill and then descending to Buckland Newton I was able to catch a bus to Sherborne.

Downloadable GPS Routes

Leg 1 GPX
GPX files can downloaded and used in GPS units and Smartphone GPS apps. You can also download open it in  www.bikehike.co.uk on bing maps to view on an OS map.


Leg 1 KML
This may open in Google maps for viewing. A down arrow on the top left of the map should allow you to download the file. You can then open it in Google Earth and do a 'flying tour'

Profile

Public Transport:

The 307 runs between Buckland Newton and Sturminster Newton.
The X10 goes between Sturminster Newton and Okeford Fitzpaine. There is then a 1.2 mile walk up to Okeford Hill.

Photos

View from Okeford Hill

View of Bulbarrow

Rawlesbury Camp

View of the Dorset Gap

Fox Inn at Lower Ansty

Approaching the Dorset Gap