Walkers and Cyclists

Walkers

The walks from Hazelbury Bryan follow routes described by Thomas Hardy. Exploring Blackmoor Vale you will discover fine hedgerows along a network of footpaths. As you climb the hills the grandeur of the scenery increases.

Orchard Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast welcome walkers and ramblers of all sorts, even those with muddy boots!  We have a secondary hall where your boots can dry. 

There are many lovely walks in the area, including the Hardy Way.  We are exploring the local routes and will be providing free walking guides.

Charming Buckland Newton is not far or there is Woolland Hill, Okeford Fitzpaine and Ibberton Hill in the other direction if you are looking for hedgerows, views and old farms.

Cyclists

There are options for the touring and mountain biker in this area. We are working on mapping the routes. This is a good base on your way down to the Dorset or Devon coast.

We have room in our garage for your bicycle and a secondary hall for your cycling gear.  

Cycling in the area is a real pleasure.  There are flatter areas or challenging hills to climb. 

There are some lovely towns and villages in the area.  Cycle routes are sparse but we can tell you which roads to avoid and which country roads are hardly used by cars.  For example there is a route to Dorchester through the villages of Piddletrenthide, Piddle Hinton and Alton Pancras which feature some great places for lunch.  It is a quieter route because traffic goes along the wide road at the top.  In addition, we know a back way to Piddletrenthide through Mappowder and Plush that is virtually deserted.  It passes a fine country pub at Plush.

Across Bulbarrow Hill to Milton Abbas is a fascinating cycle route.  It has a challenging hill along the way but the view from the top is great.  Across the chalk and down to Milton Abbas and you go back even further in time.

Via Kings Stag and Holwell, is a quiet back way to the Sherborne road.  Via Shillingstone, Okeford Fitzpaine and Child Okeford you can reach the route to Cranborne, Verwood and the New Forest. 

Via Marnhull and Todber to Shaftesbury is the way to Wilton and Salisbury, mixing back lanes and a challenging hill to Shaftesbury - be sure to enjoy the view from Gold Hill.

If you belong to the Cycle Touring Club or a local cycling club, get in touch and arrange an event to pass our way.