A fine trek to chalk off...

Enjoy far-reaching views on this challenging walk through Blackmore Vale’s dairy and agricultural farming landscape

- Edward Griffihs

Situated at the head of the River Lydden, and encircled by chalk hills, is Buckland Newton.

The 13th Century Church of the Holy Rood and the Tudor manor house mark the original village but, from the mid-19th century, a new centre developed around the crossroads. You will find additional information boards about this area at Sharnhill Green, Ivest Wood and Bookham Farm.

THE WALK

1 Walkthrough the footpath-signed kissing-gate into Holy Rood churchyard. Follow the right hedge into the corner under the holly tree. Join the narrow path with Buckland Newton Place, the 1729 former vicarage, garden left. Over the ‘infant’ River Lydden bridge, continue up the field’s right edge to the footpath kissing-gate into a lane. Turn left. Past pretty cottages meet a T-junction with The Rectory opposite. Turn right. At left Cranes Meadow houses, take the left path from the turning circle. Through the half-gate into the field, take the half-right (middle) path to the hedge’s kissing-gate into the recreation ground. Go left along the perimeter path to the footpath signed half-gate onto the B3143.