South Dorset Old Stones Way – 10 miles, 1 day. Make pilgrimage through South Dorset’s historic landscape, which has an unusually high concentration of prehistoric sites. From the start at Littlebredy Church walk through the ‘Valley of Stones’ towards the ‘Grey Mare and her Colts’ – a long barrow guarded by three great stones – and the Kingston Russell Stone Circle overlooking the coastline a few miles away. Delve down into the woods to find a secret ruined chapel with simply an arch, altar and a few gravestones. Ascend to Abbotsbury Hill Fort, before walking the Ridgeway and descending into the village of Abbotsbury, with the remains of its Abbey and the unforgettable finish at St Catherine’s Chapel-on-the-Hill.
Walking through this remote landscape immerses you in a land before records began.
Scroll down to bottom of page for advice on logistics.
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Bridehead, Littlebredy (Source of the River Bride)
St Michael & All Angels’ Church, Littlebredy
Valley of Stones
Grey Mare and her Colts
Kingston Russell Stone Circle
Chapel in the Woods
Approaching Abbotsbury
Abbotsbury (from left: Church, Abbey Ruin, Tithe Barn)
View from St Catherine’s Chapel on the Hill
St Catherine’s Chapel on the Hill
Transport: Park your car in the village of Littlebredy, then get a taxi back to Littlebredy from Abbotsbury.
Nearest train station: Dorchester.
This route was created by Jason Goodwin, and was developed in collaboration with Guy Hayward of BPT.
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