WALKS IN DORSET at STOKE ABBOTT & WADDON HILL
In this episode of my series “ Walks in Dorset”, I take a 4.5 mile “circular” walk from the village of Stoke Abbott. Once again I am accompanied by my Whippet, Logan.
I park my car in the main street that goes through Stoke Abbott and start my walk with a wander through the village. My first exploration was around the pretty St Mary's church followed by a walk along the main street.
The village is full of delightful houses & cottages (many are thatched) and there is a magnificent Spring & Water spout in the shape of a Lion's head , on the side of the road, that has Medieval origins.
I pass the New Inn pub and make my way out into the countryside, intially uphill towards Waddon Hill.
At the top of Waddon Hill, there are some great views on Lewesdon Hill - the highest point in Dorset. There are the remains of a Roman Fort at the top of Waddon Hill and whilst there is no public access (it is on private land), you can easily make out the defensive earthworks from the public footpath.
My route takes me Eastwards along a section of the Wessex Ridgeway up to the top of Gerrard's Hill where there are some more stunning views to enjoy.
I then drop down into a valley & cross over Stoke Water and into Pucketts Wood (managed by the Woodland Trust).
Originally I had planned to continue South to Little Giant wood before heading back to Stoke Abbott via Horsehill Farm. However I was running out of time - The New Inn closes in the afternoon (after 2.30pm) - so I took a short cut back to the village along the road!
PS In the video, you will see that I came across a problem with an electric fence that was across an entrance to a public footpath gate near the top of Waddon Hill. I did mention this issue to the owners of Stoke Knapp Farm (located to the North West of Waddon Hill) when I met them on the public footpath on their land later on in the walk although they did advise me that they did not own that particular land that had the issue with the electric fencing. However, I have sent details of the issue (including a photo of the metal fence blocking the path as well as a map showing the location) to the Senior Countryside ranger for West Dorset (as per the guidance from the Council website).
Map courtesy of Google Maps.
For further videos in the series, please go to: / @daveford or my website at daveford5966.wixsite.com/website
My Facebook page is: / davescountrysidewalks
I use a GOPRO HERO 7, 8 or 10 Black Action Camera (sometimes with a Gimbal) & a Rode microphone (either a “Shotgun” or a Rode Wireless Go) together with a Canon Powershot SX530 HS.
Пікірлер: 51
All of Dave's walks with Logan are the most beautiful things I've seen!!!
@DaveFord
6 ай бұрын
Thank you Simon and indeed thanks for watching.
Thank you Dave and Lovely Logan! Loved it all! We are refreshed from all the nature and architecture! And watching Logan.... How he loves his blackberries! 😊 Lots of smiles here!😊
Mr. Ford, Thank you ! My Great Great Grandfather Emanuel Staple was a mason in Stoke Abbott and built Yardley House his residence amongst other local buildings. Your tour of the countryside was truly enjoyed !
@DaveFord
2 ай бұрын
Thank you Harry & indeed thanks for sharing your personal memories of the village.
A Sunday evening treat of Logan and Dave! Delightful 😊 thanks again ❤
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you Matt. :)
Lovely to see so many buildings built from local stone and not to mention the use of thatch. Yes, the views are stunning. One runs out of superlatives to describe them. Bravo to Logan.
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
It is such a pretty village Andrew.
A very lovely walk, beautiful scenery with a well deserved pint and crisps at the end! Well done Logan for qualifying for Crufts. Thanks for sharing 😊
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. Logan does me proud in the show ring for sure.
Brilliant Dave thanks for your nice walk again. Well done Logan !! Your ‘ll be a champion soon!! Must be all those crisps!! Stunning scenery . Bless you Ralph and Sheila
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thanks to you both. It will be Logan's last visit to Crufts next March as he will be 8 years old then! His finest moment came there back in 2018 when he came 4th in a class of 15.
Stunning and beautiful landscapes Dave ! Treading the footsteps of our past !
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
The views on that particular walk were amazing - especially from the top of Gerard's Hill.
It took you marginally longer to make the decision with regard to the pub, than it took me when offered redundancy, ie retirement. A lovely walk and once again you make Wessex look positively empty of people, which I know it’s not.
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thanks Mark. Sounds like that was an easy decision for you to make! Hope you are enjoying your retirement.
Good evening dave very enjoyable video i enjoyed the history but the scenery was absolutely enjoyable a really beautiful part of Dorset
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you Craig. Yes, I think that the views around there are some of the best in the county - especially when the weather is good!
Loved it! Well done Logan & I knew exactly what decision was going to be made at the end! 😃
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
The lure of that pint was just too much!
A great adventure through the English countryside with stunning views
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you Keith.
Nice walk, despite a little shock, many thanks Dave&Logan!
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. Yes, quite shocking!
I knew you’d take the road😂😂😂………..looks like the weather for a thirst quencher or two!!!
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Yes indeed .... that pint couldn't come soon enough!
Congratulations Logan Great picturesque walk Dave 👍👍👍
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. It is a lovely part of the county around there for sure.
Another to add to the list, thanks Dave
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
It is so pretty around there & the views are stunning!
verry nice manny thanks grts from belgium
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you Danny.
Loved the buildings in the village especially the dairy with the wooden shutters. Impressed with Logan's navigating skills as well - he must have sensed the road to the pub and packet of crisps was nearby. What a clever (and handsome dog - good luck for Crufts!!).
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you Jean. Yep, Logan is much better at directions than me!
Hello Dave, love your walks, and am intrigued to know if you live in Dorset or Hampshire. All the best to you and Logan. Keep em coming 😅. Mike, Carole, and Gipsy (my dog, a Yorkshire terrier).
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Hello. I live in Dorset, just 800 yards away from the Hampshire border and a stones throw away from the New Forest.
Dave .. what a lovely walk and the cottages are spectacular to this American. It is so beautiful !! Dave do you ever tour the great estates like Mapperton? Thanks for another wonderful walk. Give Logan a big hug from me!! Have a great week .
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
Thank you Melissa. Mapperton is on our list for next year!
@melissaphillips3088
9 ай бұрын
@@DaveFord that is great Dave. It is a wonderful estate that I would love very much to see someday. I also follow them on KZread.
@melissaphillips3088
9 ай бұрын
@@DaveFord that is great Dave. It is a wonderful estate that I would love very much to see someday. I also follow them on KZread.
Re Logan and dog show… only 2nd??? Judge shudda gone to specsavers 🤣🤣❤️
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
It was a competitive class..... I was very surprised that he did as well as he did. The trip to Crufts is something to look forward to.
@user-ex7vm7hh5u
9 ай бұрын
Hope you both enjoy it… I did Crufts medical duty ( RVN) in 83 and 84. Used to time my breaks to mingle with the greyhounds and whippets❤
Right decision at the end Dave, getting to the pub after closing time would've been a major gaffe! Lovely weather again and beautiful countryside. Any idea what the numbers below the Stoke Abbott village sign signify?
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
I believe that they are the Grid Ref Numbers for the village.
@eldred1809
9 ай бұрын
Makes sense Dave, why didn't I think of that?
Correct decision Dave! 😅
@DaveFord
9 ай бұрын
It was a lovely way to end the walk!
Hello! Love your videos! Crazy question but can you tell me the brand of cap you wear in this video please and thank you!
@DaveFord
4 ай бұрын
Thank you David. I just get my caps from Amazon. The latest one has the description "Kangqifen Men Women Camo Flat Cap Cotton Ivy Gatsby Irish Hunting Newsboy Hat Adjustable". They are not too expensive either! Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.