We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
This walk is a combination of quiet lanes, ridge walking and pastoral walking on mainly dry paths along ridges and valley bottoms, before we discover Cadbury Castle, possible residence of the the legendary Dark Ages King Arthur, if not it is certainly a bronze age Hill Fort, former Roman garrison and Saxon mint. There are several stiles and gates to negotiate (roughly 15, some double) and no public toilets.
We begin our walk in the Dorset Village of Sandford Orcas and travel south along quiet lanes to Bowden Hill. We continue to Sherbourne Golf Club and then on to the hamlet of Holway, part of the Monarch's Way before following the ridge that ends at Beacon Hill (196 m or 643 feet) with hopefully a fine view of Cadbury Hill to the north. We descend into the valley to the village of South Cadbury and ascend to the summit of Cadbury Hill Fort where we will take lunch. There are hopefully views of Somerset and Glastonbury Tor (11 miles to the north).
After lunch we descend to the village and walk around the base of the fort on the Leland Trail to Sutton Montis. We skirt the side of Parrock Hill then go along the Corton Ridge to Windmill Hill, before descending into the valley through fields and meadows back to our start. Passing the Manor House and church on our way.
Post Walk we may take optional refreshments in nearby Sherbourne.
Sandford Orcas is a small village with very limited opportunity to park. There is a small amount of parking in Dark Lane and more on Sandford Orcas Road between Dark Lane and the Manor House and church. Please park considerately and use car share with other members of the group.
To book a place on the walk, please WhatsApp or SMS Tim on 07825773363. I will try and put you in touch with other walkers to car share ,so we keep our footprint in the village to a minimum.
Please bring sufficient food and drink for the walk and dress appropriately for the weather, it is suitable for trail shoes or boots unless wet.
We walk fairly briskly as a group but will have drink stops in the morning and afternoon sessions if required.
No dogs except assistance dogs please.
Our walk begins at the east end of Dark Lane by the signpost showing 3 miles to Sherbourne and Sandford Orcas Manor House in the other direction. Travelling from the south , enter Sherbourne on A352 ( please note that currently A352 is shut in Charminster) until you reach A30. Turn right onto A30 and till you reach a set of traffic lights and turn left onto B3148 Marston Road. After two miles take a right along Pemore Road which leads into Dark Lane and the start of the walk. The majority of parking is between Dark Lane and the Manor House.
