Blackmore Vale Hike: 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.