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Gently Along The Ridgeway

Available
May - Oct
No. of nights
7 nights
Prices from
£1,190 pp

The Wessex Ridgeway runs from Ashmore in the north of the county to the coast at Lyme Regis, following the route of the Great Ridgeway, an ancient highway that was once an important trading route between the Devon and Norfolk coasts. This walk passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in Dorset, taking in some of the highest points with the best views but avoiding the worst of the climbs. The route meanders across the chalk downs and crosses over chalk streams brimming with wildlife. Along the way you will pass many picturesque villages such as Cerne Abbas (with its world-famous 'Rude Man' carved into the chalk hillside) and take in magnificent views across the Blackmore Vale, before passing through gently rolling farmland to finish in the market town of Beaminster.

Highlights
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The rolling chalk downlands of central Dorset, rich with wild flowers and bird song in spring and early summer

Historic villages, many with medieval churches, thatched cottages and centuries of history

Traditional village pubs - sit in a sunny beer garden with a traditional English ale or cosy up by a roaring log fire

What's Included
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Accommodation at comfortable inns

Breakfasts & picnics

Local transfers from stations on arrival and departure
Transfers to start of walks on some days

Itinerary
We have designed this walk to be around five or six miles of walking each day so you can take it easy and stop to admire the views and visit places of interest along the way. The route follows the Wessex Ridgeway but skips the worst of the climbs so that you can follow it without the tiring ascents, although there are still one or two moderate ones for you to tackle. DAY ONE Arrive at Shaftesbury and settle into the comfortable Grosvenor Arms where you will stay tonight. Try to arrive in time to explore this pretty Saxon hill-top town. Stroll along Abbey Walk, explore the abbey's remains and climb the cobbles at Gold Hill, made famous by the Hovis advert. DAY TWO - Ashmore to Shroton 6 miles (9.5 km) - Easy Transfer to start your walk at the highest village in Dorset at Ashmore with its pretty village pond. From here you pass through the peaceful woodland and downs of the Cranborne Chase to reach the peaceful village of Shroton where you can wait with a cold drink at the foot of Hambledon Hill before transferring to your accommodation for the night. DAY THREE - Okeford Hill to Ansty 6.75 miles (11 km) - Easy Today's walk has some of the most beautiful views in the country, reaching far across the Blackmore Vale to the north. Skipping the climb up onto Okeford Hill, today you will start at the top to follow an ancient track to Bulbarrow where you take the lane along the ridge of the hill to reach the Iron Age hillfort of Rawlsbury Camp before dropping down through peaceful fields to reach the quiet village Ansty. DAY FOUR - Folly to Cerne Abbas 5.5 miles (9 km) - Moderate There are a couple of moderate climbs today but the shorter mileage allows more time, so just take them at your own pace and enjoy the views. You start at Folly and climbe to the ridgeway passing cross dykes and medieval field systems to reach the pretty village of Cerne Abbas with its 180' high chalk figure carved into the hillside above the village where you will stay tonight. DAY FIVE - Cerne Abbas to Sydling St. Nicholas 5 miles (8 km) - Very Easy A very easy day today, starting high above the village for a glorious walk along the ridgeway before dropping down to the pretty village of Sydling St. Nicholas where you can sit in the pretty village pub garden before transferring back to Cerne Abbas for the night. DAY SIX - Hooke to Beaminster 5.25 miles (8.5 km) - Easy For your last day, you start above the village of Hooke to take a fine ridgeway path before dropping down through more peaceful countryside to the rural market-town of Beaminster and your final night's stay.
Pricing

Pricing is based on two people sharing.  Single supplements may well apply but we do our best to keep these to a minimum.  Prices may also vary if our usual accommodation partner has no availability or if you need dog-friendly rooms but we will always try to find alternative accommodation in the same price bracket.  We can also sometimes offer  upgrades, so talk to us if you would like some real luxury on your trip.  Breakfast every day is included in the price.  Here is our standard pricing for this route:

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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

This was easily the best organised walking holiday I have experienced over many years. Dorset is delightful and the coast walk is stunning with so many points of interest. I cannot recommend this experience enough... amazing walks, great food and accommodation, brilliant organisation. Well done indeed!

John Butcher

UK

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