Cerne Abbas Giant – Cerne Abbas Giant loop from Cerne Abbas
Cerne Abbas Giant – Cerne Abbas Giant loop from Cerne Abbas
4.9
(7)
53
hikers
Cerne Abbas Giant – Cerne Abbas Giant loop from Cerne Abbas
01:56
6.86km
140m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: July 30, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
144 m
River Cerne and the Cerne Abbas Giant
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
636 m
Cerne Abbas Giant
Highlight • Natural Monument
The origin and purpose of the Cerne Abbas Giant remain a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. Some believe it might have had ceremonial or religious significance, while others think it could have been a more recent creation, possibly as a parody or political statement. The figure is well-known for its prominent, well-defined outline and its position on the landscape, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Tip by
2.00 km
Path Through Wheat Fields
Highlight • Viewpoint
4.40 km
View of Up Cerne Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
Here is the breakdown of what you see in that specific area:
1. The Serpentine Canal
Directly to the west (behind the main house structure), there is a long, formal canal. It is distinct for its "serpentine" or curved shape. This was a classic 18th-century landscaping technique designed to make formal water appear more natural and graceful while still functioning as a grand garden feature.
2. The River Cerne
The house is nestled in the valley floor, and the River Cerne flows immediately behind the grounds. It is a classic English chalk stream, known for its crystal-clear water and abundance of brown trout. The river was used historically to feed the manor's ponds and create the water meadows that characterize the landscape.
3. The Water Meadows
The flat land directly behind the manor consists of ancient water meadows. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these were highly engineered systems of "carriers" and "drains" used to divert river water across the grass to prevent frost and encourage early spring growth for sheep. Today, they appear as lush, damp pastures that provide a scenic backdrop to the house.
Tip by
6.54 km
Cerne Abbas Giant
Highlight • Monument
Measuring at 55 metres (180 ft) high, the origin of the figure of a man wielding a club on Trendle Hill is unknown.
The chalk figure is often thought to be ancient, yet there is no evidence for its existence prior to drawings found from the early 1700s.
It is made from a series of narrow, small trenches filled with chalk rubble, and is maintained by the National Trust.
Tip by
6.86 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.34 km
980 m
267 m
186 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.81 km
1.77 km
1.64 km
468 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Monday 31 August
19°C
10°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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