The Wessex Ridgeway 2016

Dates: Sat. 3rd – Sat. 10th Sept. 2016

Distance: 62 miles (100km)

Max. group size: 12

Cost: £450

The Wessex Ridgeway in Dorset is a magnificent ridge-top route crossing Dorset’s rural heartland. The trail offers vistas across the county and breath-taking views to far beyond. The majority of the route straddles a long chalk ridge but on occasions is broken up by small rounded hills and secluded valleys. Each section of the trail has its own unique identity and delights to explore. The trail forms part of the Great Ridgeway, once an important trading route between Devon and the Norfolk coasts.

It is an area steeped in history with evidences of pre-historic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements, not to mention more recent occupations and influences by Romans, Saxons and Medieval communities. We will make time to visit some of the more interesting and obvious examples of early culture.

We can expect to see a wide variety of birds and animals that inhabit the area from Brown Hare, Roe Deer and Kestrel. There should still be plenty of flowers to brighten up our route and, of course, being September, we may well get some dramatic early morning mists providing photographers with some stunning opportunities.

Transport will be provided to take you to the first of our designated campsites, The Inside Park, Fairmile Road, Blandford, Dorset DT11 9AD, where tents will be supplied. On the Wednesday you will have a day off to explore Dorchester and Weymouth (minibus will accompany you throughout the day) In the meantime, camp will have moved to The Dorset Hideaway, Cards Mill Lane, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport DT6 6RP All food and refreshment is included in the price, with the exception, perhaps, of a celebratory meal out on the last night, the thue use of the spa at the second camp.

The Wessex Ridgeway Itinerary

Wessex Ridgeway Registration Form