Cerne Valley Trail

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Summary: The Cerne Valley Trail is a walking route in Dorset which heads north from Dorchester on the east side of the River Cerne to High Stoy and Dogbury and the Cerne's confluence with the River Frome. The way returns to Dorchester on the west side of the river. The eastern outward leg of the route visits Charminster, Charlton Down, Forston, Godmanstone, Nether Cerne and Cerne Abbas. Then the walk continues below the Cerne Giant which is possibly Britain's famous chalkhill figure. On the return leg the Minterne Park is passed through to Minterne Magma where a visit to Minterne House and Gardens could be enjoyed. It is a beautiful Country House which has a renowned Himalayan Garden. From Minterne Magma the walk climbs from the valley via East Hill, Up Cerne Wood and Ramshorn Hill to Gore Hill which at 265 metres is the highest point of the walk. A perfect spot for a picnic on a warm summer's day. After Gore Hill the Weseex Ridgeway is followed south via Redpost Hill, Ball's Hill, Buckland Hill, Large Bar Hill, Ridge Hill and Crete Hill to Watcombe Bottom from where the way heads back along Charminster Down back to Charminster. From here the way returns back to Dorchester along the same route taken.