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

This is a tiny village with some stupendous views. Park near the church, which is worth a visit. Then head eastwards along the road, pausing at the telephone kiosk to see if there are any irresistible books stacked within.

You’ll soon come to a cross roads. Cross over and continue eastwards along a lane leading uphill, which joins a bridleway leading northwards onto a strip of Access Land about a mile long and 100 yards wide. It runs along the top of the ridge of Poyntington Hill on the county boundary with Somerset, in which County Poyntington used to be. The ground appears never to have been cultivated and so, in season, should be full of interesting wild flowers.
Continue northwards enjoying the extensive views for nearly a mile until you meet another bridleway which takes you downhill to the left, westwards, to the B3145 road. Cross over and walk along the bottom of a coombe leading gently upwards to the north west between steep banks. On your left is a tiny stream, which is the upper end of the River Yeo.

After about half a mile you enter a large tunnel under a road. This leads you to another road on the parish/county boundary. Turn left and head uphill to the south west and you’ll soon join the road that runs over the tunnel. Continue southwards along the road for a mile, up and down hill. You’ll get a good view of the ridge you walked along earlier.
Eventually you’ll get to a cross roads where you turn left and head eastward downhill back to the village. After a raised pavement, there’s a gateway into the grounds of the village hall, which appears to be quite ancient. In another furlong you’ll be back at your car.