The best walks and hikes around Thorncombe

The summit of this hill represents the second highest point in Dorset, and from here, you'll have breathtaking panoramic views. At the top, there was an Iron Age hillfort, which was excavated in the mid-20th century.

While there was already a church in Thorncombe, the current one was built, incorporating elements from the old church, in the late 19th century. Some of its older elements include the Sanctuary Chair, from 1650, or the arch under the tower, from the 14th century. The weathercock on the tower dates back to the 18th century.

This 13th century Anglican church is a Grade II listed building and, while its age is impressive, it holds a far more intriguing treasure. It has a surviving copy of ‘Foxes Book of Martyrs’, first published in 1563. It’s not everyday you get to see a book that old. The largest publishing effort in England at that time, the book is filled with woodcut impressions and is a work of Protestant history. This copy lies in a glass cabinet in the church and is well worth seeing.

This stunning patch of woodland lies just outside the village of Wayford and holds wonderful serenity under its canopy. It experienced a little fame in 2014 and 2015 thanks to its proliferation of fairy doors. While it started with just one intricately crafted wooden door in the base of a tree, more and more doors cropped up and with them came crowds and children who left presents and notes for the fairies. The local residents eventually shut the wood temporarily and removed the doors but the wood is no less magical for its fairy exodus. Instead, you’ll find tumbling streams, vibrant flora and unusual trees.

This Grade I-listed building is an exceptionally grand residence complete with sprawling gardens and a giant fountain. The priory was built in the 1100s and takes its name from the nearby river crossing. The abbey was surrendered during the Dissolution and had many tenants. Through the centuries it’s been renovated and undergone significant change. Today, you can still see evidence of some of the earliest sections, particularly the cloisters and the Great Hall. The gardens at Forde Abbey are spectacular and include lawns, water features and an arboretum. It also has the highest powered fountain in the country, which comes on intermittently and might surprise you if you’re walking by. There’s a cafe, shop and plant nursery here making it easy to while away your time. There is a charge to enter which is not insignificant.

Pilsdon Pen affords fine views over the rolling Dorset countryside. In clear conditions, you can see Golden Cap, Marshwood Vale, and the ocean to the south, Exmoor and the Quantocks to the west, the Hardy Monument to the east, and the Polesden and Mendip hills to the north. Atop the hill is an Iron Age fort and archaeologists have found flint tools here that date back 10,000 years. The hill is in the care of the National Trust. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/pilsdon-pen.

The village shop is run by community volunteers. There is a small cafe area serving teas and coffee. We arrived at 14:15 and we had just missed their lunch serving. They do take bookings I understand. No made up sandwiches but they did do pasties and sausage rolls. Bought the makings of cheese and tomato rolls and ate outside. Very pleasant.