In this episode of my series “ Walks in Dorset”, I take a 4 mile circular walk (plus a small detour) from Symondsbury to North Chideock in Dorset - taking in the iconic Colmer's Hill along the way. Once again I am accompanied by my Whippet, Logan.
After parking my car in the village - with consideration to local residents (there is also car parking at the Symondsbury Estate Manor Yard) - I start off with a wander through the pretty village of Symondsbury …. including a look at the St John The Baptist church (inside & outside).
My route then takes me along Shute's lane (an old Drover's route) in a Westerly direction out of the village towards Colmer's Hill. After climbing the hill, I get to enjoy some stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
I continue Westwards, picking up Hell Lane - an old “sunken lane” that is 10 metres deep in places - which takes me to the hamlet of North Chideock. There is another church to explore - the magnificent Our Lady Queen Of Martyrs & St Ignatius - as well as some delightful thatched cottages to spot.
My return route takes me along a section of the Monarch's Way, along footpaths back to Symondsbury (passing the Northern side of Colmer's Hill).
With the Ilchester Arms pub in the village closed on the day of my visit, my final destination was the cafe at the Symondsbury Estate Manor Yard.
NB: I should have removed my cap when I was in the church - please accept my apologies for the oversight.
Map courtesy of Google Maps.
Music by Original Spruce (Copyright owner). Permission for me to use this track has been given to me by the copyright owner. 2022. Tracks (in order of appearance in the video): 1) Eko Eko, 2) Pembrokeshire, 3) Open The G, 4) Nicely Stone, 5) Marching The Moors, 6) No Time For Lillies, 7) Marching The Moors &, 8) Martin Down. (To download these tracks & other music by Original Spruce go to: spruce1.bandcamp.com
For further videos in the series, please go to: / @daveford or my website at daveford5966.wixsite.com/website
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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.