The Dorset Jubilee Trail
The Jubilee Trail was established in 1995 to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Ramblers' Association. It follows a 90 mile (145km) course across Dorset, from Forde Abbey on the Somerset county boundary in the west to Bokerley Dyke in the north-east on the Hampshire county boundary.
Since moving to Dorset in 2007 it had been my aim to walk the whole length. This is an attempt to document my progress with this. Many of the sections of the trail have been completed in short sections: some in 'round' walks; some linear, using public transport and/or car to get to the beginning and end of the day's walk.
For detailed descriptions of the Trail with maps, see the booklet The Dorset Jubille Trail - A Rambler's Guide © Dorset Area of the Ramblers' Association 2008. See Ordnance Survey Getamap for mapping.
Forde Abbey to Parnham House (Beaminster)
Public transport is probably not practical for this section. If you need to use buses, very careful planning and studying of timetables may be necessary. I used the car to get to convenient places on the Trail and did a number of circular walks.
Forde Abbey and Thorncombe
8 January 2012
Forde Abbey to Holway and Thorncombe; return to Forde Abbey via section of Liberty Trail (Circular walk: 8.5km/5¼ miles).
Easy walking along field paths and country lanes. Very limited car parking at roadside near to Forde Abbey: please keep well clear of Abbey entrance. Alternatively, it may be possible to park in the Abbey car park (fees may apply) and take the opportunity to pay a visit to the Abbey, where refreshments may be available.
Easy walking along field paths and country lanes. Very limited car parking at roadside near to Forde Abbey: please keep well clear of Abbey entrance. Alternatively, it may be possible to park in the Abbey car park (fees may apply) and take the opportunity to pay a visit to the Abbey, where refreshments may be available.
Holway (Thorncombe) to Specket Cottage
14 August 2011
A Jubilee Trail & Wessex Ridgeway figure-of-eight walk from Holway, Cole's Cross and Specket Cottage (Pilsdon Pen) (9 km/6 miles).
Mostly easy to moderate walking along field paths with some country lane stretches. Fairly steep climb up to Specket Cottage and then from the Cottage to join the Wessex Ridgeway.
Car parking may be available at layby on B3165 at junction with Wessex Ridgeway (ST397021); alternative options: roadside parking near Cole's Cross or at Venn (ST390039).
No refreshments en-route.
Mostly easy to moderate walking along field paths with some country lane stretches. Fairly steep climb up to Specket Cottage and then from the Cottage to join the Wessex Ridgeway.
Car parking may be available at layby on B3165 at junction with Wessex Ridgeway (ST397021); alternative options: roadside parking near Cole's Cross or at Venn (ST390039).
No refreshments en-route.
Specket Cottage to Stoke Abbott
20 January 2012
Specket Cottage to Stoke Abbott: Jubilee Trail circular walk with a return via section of Wessex Ridgeway.
Easy to moderate walking along field paths with some country lanes.
Car parking options: The New Inn, Stoke Abbott (refreshments) or in layby at Lob Gate (ST414009) on the B3164. Distance walked from Lob Gate: 13.7 km/8½ miles.
Easy to moderate walking along field paths with some country lanes.
Car parking options: The New Inn, Stoke Abbott (refreshments) or in layby at Lob Gate (ST414009) on the B3164. Distance walked from Lob Gate: 13.7 km/8½ miles.
Stoke Abbot to Parnham House (Beaminster)
23 January 2012
A circular walk on field paths, trackways and a short stretch on the road in Stoke Abbott. Easy walking; some careful navigation may be needed when following non-waymarked paths.
Car parking: layby where Jubilee Trail crosses A3066 (ST478003), at The New Inn, Stoke Abbott (refreshments) or Beaminster (charges may apply).
Buses serve Beaminster from Bridport, Crewkerne and Yeovil. The walk from Beaminster Square (shops and refreshments) (ST480013) follows the footpath to the Jubilee Trail, in a south-westerly direction, west of the River Brit, joining the Trail in the field above the gate into Parham Park (ST475006).
Buses serve Beaminster from Bridport, Crewkerne and Yeovil. The walk from Beaminster Square (shops and refreshments) (ST480013) follows the footpath to the Jubilee Trail, in a south-westerly direction, west of the River Brit, joining the Trail in the field above the gate into Parham Park (ST475006).
