Enjoy big views with ever-wide skies on Dorset Walks as you complete the circle from Lower Ansty – starting with easy parking in the village, then a few simple climbs to enjoy the best of Hog Hill looking out over Lyscombe Bottom and down via the Dorsetshire Gap ridge.
To follow this route using the Outdooractive App, please find the route here.
Bingham’s Melcombe is a beautiful estate – do wander out of your way to visit the church and pause to enjoy the view of the gardens.
At this time of year there are swathes of snowdrops on the Bingham’s Melcombe estate
We admittedly go straight on through the gate (wrong) Every. Single. Time.
Perhaps also opt to walk the footpath around the front of Nordon Hill from the Dorsetshire Gap – the views are spectacular, but the rough path runs awkwardly across a steep hill: you’ll potentially spend all your time trying not to break an ankle. We did it once, but now always opt for the simpler-going route around the back, and sadly miss the view!
This route is filled with great lunch spots, but my top two would be the cross dykes on Hog Hill – one of my favourite spots to sit and enjoy the view – or from the Dorsteshire Gap ridgeline, with spectacular views both sides.
NB the Gap crossroads is always muddy – do watch your footing as you descend.
All of our monthly ‘Take a hike’ features of Dorset walks can be seen here. The routes we feature have always been created and walked recently by ourselves, so you know you can trust them – we aim for unpopulated routes with as little road and as many views as possible! You can always see the route and follow it yourself via the free Outdoor Active app – see all our routes in the app here. All images Laura Hitchcock
