Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade.

This is a short walk of about two and a half miles. Park at the roadside, I suggest the cul-de-sac, St Michael’s Close, to avoid obstructing the narrow road. Walk along the road that curves round to the north east for about 700 yards. Just past Glebe Farm, join a footpath along a driveway following the boundary with Nether Compton heading south east. Then turn right and follow a footpath south westwards along a hedge leading gently uphill to a wood that must have been recently planted as it doesn’t yet appear on the map.

After passing through the wood, the path goes downhill through parkland to the massive Compton House, which is much bigger than the adjacent church. The church is worth a visit and has lots of memorials to members of the Goodden family, who also have memorials at Fleet church. Like many churches I’ve visited on my exploration of Dorset, this one is blessed with a colony of bees!
Follow the drive eastwards past the big house, curving round to the north east past a small lake on your left with a woody hill on your right. Carry on across the boundary into Nether Compton where you’ll reach the road opposite the village hall. Turn sharp right and follow Gore Lane, which curves south-eastwards . After a little over 100 yards, take a footpath on your right leading uphill to the south, then, at a crossways, turn right and follow a path along the contours to the west, re-entering Over Compton parish.
The path goes downhill and meets the one you were on before. Head west, back past the church and continue along the drive until you meet the road. Turn right and you’ll soon be back at your car.