Walking in Dorset's Past

by: Sam Ferguson
Have you ever walked around Dorset and noticed all those strange lumps and bumps across the hillsides and wondered what those are? Some of these are nothing, built by modern farmers usually as rubbish tips, others are monuments built thousands of years ago, by prehistoric people in memory of their ancestors or to defend themselves against incoming enemies.

As you follow the walks in this book you will look at Dorset with a different eye, each of those mounds, lumps and bumps has a story to tell and each is different, most are combined with local myths and legends to give many spooky stories - mainly involving the Isle of Wight! Let archaeologist Sam Ferguson guide you on various walks through Dorset where you will be informed, educated and entertained as you get an archaeologists view of the county.

Each walk chapter begins with a description of the archaeological features to be encountered. This is followed by practical data including distance, ascent, highest point, terrain, time, start point with grid reference, OS Explorer map sheet number, suitability for dogs, wildlife interest and refreshment options. The route descriptions are clear and comprehensive with grid references given for major navigation points. Each walk has also been assigned a Ferguson Grading System rating and the book gives details of this system and how to interpret the grades. The book includes an informative introduction to the area and is illustrated with many colour photographs. The coloured sketch maps that accompany the navigation text give only an outline of the route. We would recommend carrying the relevant OS Explorer map and a compass on these walks.

The walk locations are:
The Barrow Round and Hardy Monument - 6.9 miles
Abbotsbury Stone Circle - 6.35 miles
Winspit Walk, The Sorrow of the Halsewell - 4.8 miles
Cerne Abbas Giants Stride - 5.8 miles
Agglestone Amble, near Studland - 2.5 miles
Portland, Coastline Quarry Stroll - 8.5 miles
Creech Grange View, near Corfe - 6.5 miles
Lulworth, Smugglers Cove Canter - 3.6 miles

ISBN 9781905444625 Pages 102 (2015) 148mm x 210mm