The best cycling routes around Marshwood

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.

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!

Jurassic Coast - here, as a touring cyclist, you get a nice access with wonderful views, swimming options and good restaurants.

a historic church with roots dating back to at least 1325, though the present building was constructed in the early 14th century. It is a Grade I Listed Building, recognized for its special architectural and historic interest. Here are some key details about the church: Architectural Style: Early English style and cruciform shape, featuring a nave, transepts, a south porch, and a square tower with six small bells and a clock. Historical Features: The church is mentioned in the Domesday Book. It has spyholes, known as squints, in the north and south transepts, allowing the congregation to see the priest at the altar. A memorial window from around 1884 features stained glass designed by William Lethaby, who later became a professor at the Royal College of Art. The registers date back to 1558. The interior was last restored in the 1920s, with villagers contributing to the carvings in the choir.

Just as you come out of village, and almost up the first hilly section, you come across a rather stunning backdrop.

Redundant, but beautifully restored by the local community. It is now an information point for cyclists and hikers. Also a nice bench to sit on. much needed I found.

So much history in one building, I've created a highlight which includes all the amazing history,plus about 60 pictures. It's well worth a visit