Walk 2733 - printer friendly version

Plush & Wessex Ridgeway Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.7 miles / 7.6 km

Ascent - 600 feet / 182 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference ST728031
Lat 50.8267930 + Long -2.3875536
Postcode DT2 7RN (approx. location only)

The rolling chalk landscape of Dorset is amongst the most beautiful in Britain. This walk combines a section of the Wessex Ridgeway, with views to Blackmore Vale, and other bridleways and footpaths in the area surrounding the pretty village of Plush, with its 16th century inn providing a source of refreshments during the walk.

The start is Folly Lane (grid ref. ST728031) where limited roadside parking is possible. Please ensure that you are not inconveniencing residents and road users. After parking take track heading east signed to "Dorset Gap" following the Wessex Ridgeway. After 400 metres, bear right when the track forks to reach a stile and a gate. Continue on the sunken track which curves to the south to reach a junction of tracks on Lyscombe Hill (grid ref. ST730023).

Bear half right walking along the ridge to "Dole's Ash Farm". Continue to the trig point of Higher Hill. Continue to follow the signed the bridleway through two gates to reach a small copse near Thorncombe Barn (grid ref. ST721017). Turn right here onto a footpath crossing a field to a stile. The path then descends steeply to reach a lane (grid ref. ST717022). Turn left along the lane to reach a T-junction by the Brace of Pheasants Inn.

To continue turn left towards Piddletrenthide. After 50 metres or so, turn right through a metal gate onto a track signed "Church Hill". The track climbs steadily with woodland on your right to reach open downland (grid ref. ST711026). Continue ahead on what is now a grassy track. This area is open access and your route parallels the hedge-line on your left. Continue walking uphill through a gate to join the Wessex Ridgeway at Church Hill (grid ref. ST711035). Turn right onto the Wessex Ridgeway and walk east with the hedge on your left. Continue through Watcombe Wood and across Ball Hill to return to the start.

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