The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Woolland

This was the part that I was longing for dry weather. The proper ridgeway from here on eastward is stunning but if less than knobby tyres you'll need to drop down.

The Okeford Hill Beacon (also known as the Armada Beacon) is a prominent landmark situated on the summit of Okeford Hill, offering a panoramic viewpoint that overlooks the Blackmore Vale. While the hill is famous for the Okeford Hill Bike ParkClick to open side panel for more information, the beacon remains a central point for community celebrations and a popular start for local walks. A Community Landmark The beacon structure is a symbol of local volunteerism and national history. Unique Construction: It was built entirely free of charge by a local scrap metal dealer and erected on land donated by a retired farmer. Historical Origins: Originally constructed in 1988, it was first lit as part of a nationwide chain of beacons to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Royal Celebrations: Since its creation, it has been used to mark significant royal milestones, including Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees. Commemorative Events: The beacon continues to be active for historical commemorations, such as the upcoming VE Day and VJ Day 80th anniversary lighting events organized by the Parish Council.

Okeford Hill Bike ParkClick to open side panel for more information is a premier downhill mountain biking destination located on the steep northern escarpment of the Dorset Downs, offering some of the most challenging terrain in the region. Diverse Trail Network: The park features a variety of downhill-specific trails that cater primarily to intermediate and advanced riders, including technical "rooty" sections and fast, flowing jumps. Uplift Service: To maximize ride time, the venue provides a dedicated uplift service (usually a tractor and trailer) that shuttles riders from the bottom of the hill back to the summit. Operating Hours: The park is typically open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though it is often closed during the weekdays. Spectacular Setting: Riders can enjoy the same famous views of the Blackmore Vale described from nearby Bell Hill between runs.

Standing on the summit of Bell Hill (258 meters) offers what many locals and hikers consider the definitive view of the Blackmore Vale. It is a vantage point that explains why Thomas Hardy called this area the "Vale of the Little Dairies."

All Saints Church in Hilton, Dorset, is a remarkable Grade I listed building, primarily dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Its unique architecture features masonry, windows, and carved corbels (including a bagpipe player) salvaged and reused from the nearby Milton Abbey after the Dissolution. The church also houses two beautiful panels of early 16th-century paintings of the Apostles, which were also transferred from the Abbey. It retains a square 12th-century font in Purbeck marble.

Good forest paths up to Shillingstone hill. Beautifuleven without bluebells. Take St Edwards Way into Shillingstone for refreshments

* It lies southeast of the deserted medieval village of Bingham's Melcombe, the remains of which can still be seen in the surrounding fields.

* Architectural Features: The church exhibits features typical of the 14th and 15th centuries, including reticulated tracery in some windows, ogee-headed lights, and a tower with an embattled parapet. The south chapel has panel tracery. * Interior Elements: Inside, you can find a Norman font (brought from a nearby chapel in 1951), a pulpit bought in 1723, and 17th-century communion rails. A unique feature is a stuffed owl intended to deter bats! * Horsey Chapel Screen: The oak screen separating the Horsey Chapel from the nave is particularly interesting, featuring the initials S.T.F. (for Sir Thomas Freke) and the date 1619 on the reverse. Location and Setting: * The church is situated in the grounds of Bingham's Melcombe, a significant medieval manor house.