Tess of The Vale

11/09/2026

Hooke Park. Delve deep into the mystical woodland of Hooke Park. Weave between the gnarly oaks, towering beech, and lines of red cedar, the floor under the dark canopy broken by shards of sunshine and architectural creations by the hidden school. Follow the footsteps of Iron Age tribes and medieval hunters through a landscape of deep ravines and holloways. Climb back up the hill to Drakenorth, named after a dragon that protected treasure, possibly looted from the nearby Powerstock Castle. Return along the country lane as the slopes dip down to the manor of Hooke, once excavated by the Time Team.

See Hooke Park Walk for more…

11/09/2026

The mystical woodland of Hooke Park

Delve deep into the mystical woodland of Hooke Park. Weave between the gnarly oaks, towering beech and lines of red cedar, the floor under the dark canopy broken by shards of sunshine and architectural creations by the hidden school. Follow the footsteps of Iron Age tribes and medieval hunters throu...

07/09/2026

New Walk: Heddon River. Follow the little Heddon River upstream as it threads north through the far corner of Exmoor to Heddon’s Mouth. After meeting the sea, trace it back inland, climbing through deep woodland and along ancient paths walked for centuries. Skim the edges of Iron Age enclosures, Bronze Age standing stones and the earthworks of forgotten castles as the river winds upstream towards Parracombe. Return along the river valley to the Hunters Inn - once a smuggler’s refuge, later a retreat, and always a place of romantic inspiration.

Part of the free Outside Dorset Series

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07/09/2026

Heddon River. Following the valley to the sea.

Follow the little Heddon River upstream as it threads north through the far corner of Exmoor to Heddon’s Mouth. After meeting the sea, trace it back inland, climbing through deep woodland and along ancient paths walked for centuries. Skim the edges of Iron Age enclosures, Bronze Age standing stone...

04/09/2026

Church Knowle. Climb up the hidden peaks of the Purbecks. Explore the ancient ridgeway route, scattered with Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age earthworks, and medieval tofts and crofts. Enjoy views over Poole Harbour to Poole and Bournemouth in the north and the wooded valley of the Corfe River to Weymouth and the Isle of Portland in the south. Dip down to an important crossing, its old road now trumped by a hairpin bend. Delve down into the valley to discover the oldest house in Dorset along with its shrunken neighbouring settlements whose only remains are farms, barns, and bumps in the ground; one being home to a murderess. Return through the village, passing the traditional Purbeck stone cottages topped with ever-decreasing tiles or whitewashed walls kept cosy with thatch.

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04/09/2026

Hidden peaks of the Purbecks

Climb up the hidden peaks of the Purbecks. Explore the ancient ridgeway route, scattered with Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age earthworks, and medieval tofts and crofts. Enjoy views over Poole Harbour to Poole and Bournemouth in the north and the wooded valley of the Corfe River to Weymouth and the Isle...

02/09/2026

The Ultimate Jurassic Coast Drive. From the far eastern tip of the Isle of Purbeck, head down to Old Harry’s Rocks, where the official boundary of the Jurassic Coast begins. Stick to the coastal roads as they narrow and split to keep the sea in view for the majority of the ride. Divert down little dead-end lanes to discover hidden car parks, perfect for resting, chilling, wondering, and exploring. Delve deeper into the surrounding landscape by embarking on one of the many walks or rides that circle the neighbouring environment, through ruins, ancient earthworks, caves, and smugglers’ trails. The 90-mile drive continues all the way to Lyme Regis, covering the entirety of the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset.

See The Ultimate Jurassic Coast Drive for more…