WALKS IN DORSET at STOKE ABBOTT & WADDON HILL

In this episode of my series “ Walks in Dorset”, I take a 4.5 mile “circular” walk from the village of Stoke Abbott. Once again I am accompanied by my Whippet, Logan.

I park my car in the main street that goes through Stoke Abbott and start my walk with a wander through the village. My first exploration was around the pretty St Mary's church followed by a walk along the main street.

The village is full of delightful houses & cottages (many are thatched) and there is a magnificent Spring & Water spout in the shape of a Lion's head , on the side of the road, that has Medieval origins.

I pass the New Inn pub and make my way out into the countryside, intially uphill towards Waddon Hill.

At the top of Waddon Hill, there are some great views on Lewesdon Hill – the highest point in Dorset. There are the remains of a Roman Fort at the top of Waddon Hill and whilst there is no public access (it is on private land), you can easily make out the defensive earthworks from the public footpath.

My route takes me Eastwards along a section of the Wessex Ridgeway up to the top of Gerrard's Hill where there are some more stunning views to enjoy.

I then drop down into a valley & cross over Stoke Water and into Pucketts Wood (managed by the Woodland Trust).

Originally I had planned to continue South to Little Giant wood before heading back to Stoke Abbott via Horsehill Farm. However I was running out of time – The New Inn closes in the afternoon (after 2.30pm) – so I took a short cut back to the village along the road!

PS In the video, you will see that I came across a problem with an electric fence that was across an entrance to a public footpath gate near the top of Waddon Hill. I did mention this issue to the owners of Stoke Knapp Farm (located to the North West of Waddon Hill) when I met them on the public footpath on their land later on in the walk although they did advise me that they did not own that particular land that had the issue with the electric fencing. However, I have sent details of the issue (including a photo of the metal fence blocking the path as well as a map showing the location) to the Senior Countryside ranger for West Dorset (as per the guidance from the Council website).


Map courtesy of Google Maps.

For further videos in the series, please go to:    / @daveford   or my website at https://daveford5966.wixsite.com/website

My Facebook page is:   / davescountrysidewalks  

I use a GOPRO HERO 7, 8 or 10 Black Action Camera (sometimes with a Gimbal) & a Rode microphone (either a “Shotgun” or a Rode Wireless Go) together with a Canon Powershot SX530 HS.