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Discovering Deepest DorsetMay 21, 2010
Charles Lotter
There are hundreds of walks to choose from, but I’ve selected a handful of my favourites. I’ve also included links to the relevant pages which show the routes in more detail, so you won’t get lost and, and as the name suggests, you don’t have to be a mountaineer!
One of the largest hill figures in Britain – carved from the chalk bedrock, he is 180 feet high.
The first written record appears in 1751, but many historians believe he represents Hercules and was created during the reign of the Emperor Commodus (the evil emperor from the epic film “Gladiator”), who believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules.
The giant’s obvious virility encouraged superstitious local women who wanted to conceive to spend a night alone on the hillside (withinthe confines of his giant phallus) and young couples would make love on the giant to ensure conception.
Hardy's Cottage
Hardy was born in 1840 in this modest cottage built by his great-grandfather. Little altered since the family left, it’s preserved by the National Trust. His early novels Under the Greenwood Tree and Far from the Madding Crowd were written here and in his books the area features as “Egdon Heath”. Hardy’s father was a master builder and paid his employees through the barred window that opens onto the heath. His grandfather was a known smuggler of brandy and the peep-hole in the porch was supposedly for spotting excise men.
The Jurassic Coastline of Dorset, awarded World Heritage status, offers a wealth of wonderful walks, but the most famous spot is undoubtedly Lulworth Cove – a perfect horse-shoe-shaped bay created by the sea. Another bay is forming behind Lulworth at Stair Hole, and half a mile west lies the famous Durdle Door, a perfect coastal arch. Lulworth beach provides a great place to relax and swim while the heritage centre reveals a history stretching back 150 million years.
Among the largest and most complex of Iron Age hillforts in Europe, its huge multiple ramparts enclose an area equivalent to 50 football pitches. Excavations revealed the site’s 4,000-year history and an extensive late Iron Age cemetery, with many of the bodies showing horrific injuries probably sustained in attacks at the time of the Roman invasion. It’s also the setting for a famous scene from the film version of “Far from the Madding Crowd” where Bathsheba (Julie Christie) has a meeting with Sergeant Troy (Terence Stamp).
For over 600 years a colony of friendly mute swans has made its home at the Abbotsbury Sanctuary. Sheltered by the famous Chesil Beach, this ancient and special site provides protection for hundreds of nesting swans and their broods. The beach itself is a stunning 18 mile long shingle bank enclosing Fleet lagoon, a tidal lake that’s home to a variety of fish, sea grasses and anemones. Abbotsbury Castle is an Iron Age hill fort with spectacular views and an ancient beacon last lit over 400 years ago to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada.
Melbury Deer Park
Deer in Melbury Park
Summer Lodge was originally the Dower House of the Melbury Estate, so this stunning 9000 acre park, with its magnificent stags and hinds, woodlands and lakes, is an easy stroll from our front door. Ask at reception for printed directions or if you fancy take a slightly longer route. The fabulous Melbury House was birthplace to the pioneer of photography Henry Fox Talbot. After your exertions I have several suggestions. To ease tired legs spend some time in our spa and pool. To satisfy the healthy appetite you must have built up indulge in one of our legendary cream teas. Or just head straight for the bar!
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