The best cycling routes around Fifehead Magdalen

Pig pens all along the side of road, so many little piglets!!!

Though my bike is in the way, you have to trust me. Exceptional views to be seen from here

Victorian Additions: Major rebuilding occurred in the 19th century. The south wall of the nave was extended to create a new south aisle and porch in 1852, and the chancel was rebuilt in 1881. Wall Paintings: The church features 16th and 18th-century wall paintings, including a mural painting of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer above the chancel arch, dating from Queen Anne's reign (1665-1714). Rood-Loft Stairway: There is a rood-loft stairway on the northern side of the chancel arch, which would have led to a rood loft stretching across the chancel arch, typically holding figures of the Cross, St Mary the Virgin, and St John the Baptist. Consecration Crosses: Traces of Consecration Crosses, traditionally incised into churches during the Middle Ages as visible signs of dedication, can be found on either side of the oak screen below the west gallery (from the Charles I period). Stained Glass: While much of the stained glass is 19th-century, there is one small piece of medieval glass in a north aisle window. The east window of the chancel has a good example of William Morris factory stained glass.

Splendid 15th-Century Tower: A prominent feature of the church is its impressive 15th-century tower, which can be seen for miles around and is considered by some to be the finest example in Dorset. Norman Remnants: While largely 15th-century in its present form, the church retains an intriguing lone Norman pier decorated with scallops and masks in the north arcade, indicating a substantial building on the site from that early period. A 12th-century font bowl also survives. Coffered Nave Roof: The nave boasts a richly coffered roof from about 1520 with carved panels. Hussey Chapel: The north transept was incorporated into a north chapel, now known as the Hussey Chapel, named after one of Marnhull's prominent families. This chapel contains the Carent tomb, an alabaster effigy of a knight with his two wives, dated 1450. The somewhat mutilated state of the effigies is thought to be due to thieves stealing alabaster to make dies for coins.

St Gregory's Church in Marnhull, Dorset, is a truly remarkable and historically significant parish church. It's a Grade I listed building and plays a central role in the life of the large rural village. Here's a detailed look at St Gregory's Church: Ancient Roots: The church's origins are deeply rooted in history, with construction beginning around 1150 AD on the site of a former Saxon church. The first Rector was appointed about 100 years later. Expansion Over Centuries: The church has evolved over many centuries. What is now the Hussey Chapel (housing the Carent tomb) dates back to 1250. A north aisle, bell tower, and in the Victorian era (around 1850), a new south aisle and chancel were added. Thomas Hardy Connection: St Gregory's holds a literary connection, being one of the locations for Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles. The churchyard is where Tess's baby, Sorrow, was buried, and her attendance at a service is described in the book. Continuous Worship: Despite its age, St Gregory's remains an active place of worship with a reasonably sized congregation and is spiritually significant to a wider community who attend major festivals.

The North Dorset Trailway now extends approximately 14 miles from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, with a section in Stalbridge they aim to link with, providing a safe route for walkers, runners, cyclists, equestrians and people with mobility scooters. The Trailway is largely made up of sections of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway which linked Bristol and Bournemouth until the 1960s.

The King's Mill is located next to the River Stour. Once an old mill, the building has been restored and is now a private residence. Keep an eye out for the otters which live in this area.

Stalbridge Market Cross is constructed using Ham Hill stone. The cross is dated from the 15th century and stands at an impressive 30 feet high.