North Dorset

'Our AONB covers 380 square miles of countryside criss crossing the boundaries of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. The area is visually stunning, with a broad mixture of different types of landscape, as well as a rich historical heritage.'

'This area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding's Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.'

'Gillingham achieved Walkers Are Welcome (WAW) status on 10 August 2015. This means that it has fulfilled the six criteria necessary for acceptance: it has demonstrated local support, gained endorsement from the town council, made a commitment to ensure the local path network is in order, guaranteed adequate marketing of WAW status, shown how use of public transport will be encouraged and demonstrated how the status will be maintained in future, with broadbased support.'

Has been held Early September.

'The North Dorset Trailway now extends from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, providing an off road trail for walkers, cyclist etc. The opening of the latest section, between Stourpaine and Blandford, proved to be a triumphant day with hundreds of people attending by various means of transport.' Unfortunately the Website originally cited here (and the North Dorset Trailway Network?) seem(s) no longer, so I have cited instead a page from Dorset for You (where at the time of Review it was noted that the NDT Leaflet 'is currently being updated').

'Four self guided, circular walking routes along the River Winterborne with links into medium and long distance routes.'

'In April 2007, inspired by the writings of Thomas Hardy, I travelled on foot from Win Green to Weymouth. The journey was one of great contrast, reaching to the very heart of Hardy country. Along the way I passed through landscapes associated with the novels, poems and short stories: Cranbourne Chase, the valley of the Stour, the chalk ridge south of the Blackmoor Vale, the Frome valley, the coastal uplands ... '

'Magnificent ridge-top route crossing Dorset's rural heartland.'