Easy hikes and walks around Misterton

Gemini said If you find yourself in the rolling hills of West Dorset, the Church of St John the Baptist in Broadwindsor is a classic, "slow-paced" country church that packs a surprising amount of history into its quiet stone walls. It’s perched on a high spot right in the heart of the village, looking out over the square like it’s been keeping watch forever (which, to be fair, it mostly has). Here’s why it’s worth a wander: A Royal Fugitive’s Hiding Spot The village’s biggest claim to fame involves a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. After losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651, King Charles II fled for his life and spent a night right here in Broadwindsor. While the King was hiding in a nearby inn (now private cottages), Parliamentarian soldiers actually arrived in the village to search it. Legend says he only escaped because a local woman went into labor in the same building, causing such a chaotic distraction that the soldiers moved on without finding him. He eventually escaped to France, but the church stands as a silent witness to that tense night. The "Witty" Rector In the 1630s, the church was led by Thomas Fuller, a man described as one of the first English writers to actually make a living from his pen. He was famous for his "pregnant wit" and once said, "Charity begins at home, but should not end there." * Even today, the village is very proud of him—you’ll often find his quotes inscribed in the local community pub, The White Lion, just down the road. What to Look For Inside The "Wonky" Architecture: The church has a mix of styles because it’s been rebuilt and patched up over nearly 900 years. You’ll see heavy, rounded Norman arches on one side of the nave and more pointed "Early English" ones on the other. It gives the interior a slightly mismatched, organic feel. The Ancient Font: There is a square font made of Purbeck Marble that dates back to the early 1200s. It’s been used to baptize village children for eight centuries. The Bells: The tower holds a ring of six bells. Some of them are "pre-Reformation," meaning they’ve been swinging in that tower since before Henry VIII broke away from Rome. The "Compromise" Clock: If you’re there during the day, you’ll hear the clock chime. There was a recent local debate about whether it should chime at night; in a very "British village" move, they compromised—it now stays quiet from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM so the neighbors can sleep!

Lovely views up lewesdon hill

Good place to stop for a nice coffee and a flapjack.

At an elevation of 915 feet (279 meters), this is the highest point in Dorset, from where you can take in the beautiful surrounding countryside through the trees. For a long time, it was believed that Pilsdon Pen was the highest point in Dorset, but relatively recently, it was discovered that Lewesdon Hill stands two meters higher.

At the heart of the village, you'll find this lovely church, with its churchyard, of which the oldest parts are known to date back to the 12th century, in a Norman Romanesque style. During the Victorian era, it underwent significant restoration, so you can see signs of this period in its exterior appearance.

This stunning patch of woodland lies just outside the village of Wayford and holds wonderful serenity under its canopy. It experienced a little fame in 2014 and 2015 thanks to its proliferation of fairy doors. While it started with just one intricately crafted wooden door in the base of a tree, more and more doors cropped up and with them came crowds and children who left presents and notes for the fairies. The local residents eventually shut the wood temporarily and removed the doors but the wood is no less magical for its fairy exodus. Instead, you’ll find tumbling streams, vibrant flora and unusual trees.

Aside from residing in such a wonderfully-named village, St Michaels and All Angels Church has a fascinating history. Long before its Victorian renovation, a holy man named Wulfric lived as a hermit here for 29 years. Wulfric’s advice was sought by many who came specifically to see him, including members of royalty. He is said to have cut chainmail with ordinary scissors and the story of this miracle is the basis for the logo of the five, interconnected parishes.

Standing at 915 feet (279 m) Lewesdon Hill is the highest point in Dorset. The trees open in places to reveal breathtaking views which stretch over Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and out to sea. In spring, the woodland erupts into colour with bluebells and in autumn the golden leaves and fungi make it an enchanting place to explore. There are also remains of an Iron Age hill fort here. The site is in the care of the National Trust. This double track and single track bridleway takes you over the northern slopes, and forms part of the Wessex Ridgeway Trail. For more information, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/lewesdon-hill.