The best cycling routes around Bradpole

Gazing south from the high ridges of Pilsdon Pen, the lush Dorset countryside rolls out toward Symondsbury in a vibrant patchwork of green hills and deep dales. Punctuating the horizon is the unmistakable, tree-crowned peak of Colmer’s Hill, guiding the eye across spectacular views that reach all the way to the coast.

From the Pilsdon Pen car park, you are treated to a stunning, sweeping panorama of West Dorset’s rolling hills. Looking south, the lush Marshwood Vale opens up dramatically, framed by distant coastal ridges near Charmouth. It is an expansive, breathtaking introduction to the landscape before you even begin the hill climb.

The coast path between West Bay and Burton Bradstock is currently closed due to a landslip. A diversion is in place using the public footpath across Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club. Please see the South West Coast Path website for further info and a map of the diversion.

Cannington viaduct loop from lyme regis

Gemini said If you find yourself in the rolling hills of West Dorset, the Church of St John the Baptist in Broadwindsor is a classic, "slow-paced" country church that packs a surprising amount of history into its quiet stone walls. It’s perched on a high spot right in the heart of the village, looking out over the square like it’s been keeping watch forever (which, to be fair, it mostly has). Here’s why it’s worth a wander: A Royal Fugitive’s Hiding Spot The village’s biggest claim to fame involves a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. After losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651, King Charles II fled for his life and spent a night right here in Broadwindsor. While the King was hiding in a nearby inn (now private cottages), Parliamentarian soldiers actually arrived in the village to search it. Legend says he only escaped because a local woman went into labor in the same building, causing such a chaotic distraction that the soldiers moved on without finding him. He eventually escaped to France, but the church stands as a silent witness to that tense night. The "Witty" Rector In the 1630s, the church was led by Thomas Fuller, a man described as one of the first English writers to actually make a living from his pen. He was famous for his "pregnant wit" and once said, "Charity begins at home, but should not end there." * Even today, the village is very proud of him—you’ll often find his quotes inscribed in the local community pub, The White Lion, just down the road. What to Look For Inside The "Wonky" Architecture: The church has a mix of styles because it’s been rebuilt and patched up over nearly 900 years. You’ll see heavy, rounded Norman arches on one side of the nave and more pointed "Early English" ones on the other. It gives the interior a slightly mismatched, organic feel. The Ancient Font: There is a square font made of Purbeck Marble that dates back to the early 1200s. It’s been used to baptize village children for eight centuries. The Bells: The tower holds a ring of six bells. Some of them are "pre-Reformation," meaning they’ve been swinging in that tower since before Henry VIII broke away from Rome. The "Compromise" Clock: If you’re there during the day, you’ll hear the clock chime. There was a recent local debate about whether it should chime at night; in a very "British village" move, they compromised—it now stays quiet from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM so the neighbors can sleep!

After hitting a massive pothole and destroying our tyre and tube, Chris in Atlas Sports/cycles kept the shop open late so we could get a replacement. Chris, you are amazing. I recommend Atlas for their friendliness, range of goods and very affordable prices. Always support your LBS, people 👍😊

Beautiful views are always guaranteed, regardless of the what the weather holds.

What a lovely farm shop: great coffee and tea, plus fresh milk straight from the farmer, and much more. All this in a cozy courtyard with chickens and roosters. You should definitely stop here....