3.4 of 5 (5 votes)
2

Around Ashcombe Bottom

A moderate walk (countryside) in Dorset, England, about 13.60km (8.45 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 4:30h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent 237m (777ft)
Descent 265m (869ft)
Max. Elevation 270m (885ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss 502m (1646ft)
Start & End
Ludwell
Distance 13.60km
(8.45mi)
Duration ~4:30h
Difficulty  
Moderate
Car Free Walks TeamCreated by Timwoods on 24 Dec 2012
This walk covers the countryside on the Wiltshire-Dorset border, above Cranbourne Chase. Two good pubs are on offer, and the countryside is lovely. Buses are not that frequent, so check times carefully; you can always start and finish in nearby Shaftesbury for better connections. The route passes Ashbourne House, where Madonna and Guy Ritchie used to live. So you may wish to wear a conical bra and adopt a cockney gangster accent for the walk, to really get into the spirit of things. The route is pretty much suitable for families, but be aware you will need to cross the busy A30.

Walk Functions

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Walk Map

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Waypoints

OS Grid ST902225
The bus stops by the church. Take the road into Charlton.
OS Grid ST907216
Follow the road down to Manor Farm.
About 0.97 km (~0.6 miles) from
OS Grid ST922204
Follow the bridleway across the road and then steeply uphill onto the ridge.
About 1.97 km (~1.22 miles) from
OS Grid ST936206
Follow the ridge east, with wonderful views down over Cranbourne Chase. The path then veers souths and starts heading downhill.
About 1.39 km (~0.86 miles) from
OS Grid ST944178
Descend over Berwick Down into the town of Tollard Royal. If you want some fine (but not cheap) food, try the King John Inn: www.kingjohninn.co.uk
About 2.92 km (~1.81 miles) from
OS Grid ST935190
Once sated, head northwest from the village into Ashcombe Bottom.
About 1.51 km (~0.94 miles) from
OS Grid ST919205
The climb out of Ashcombe Bottom brings you back onto the ridge, from where you can retrace your steps to the start (or take the parallel path for a bit of variety).
About 2.16 km (~1.34 miles) from
OS Grid ST906225
Finish back in Ludwell for the bus home.
About 2.36 km (~1.47 miles) from

2 comments... join the discussion!

18 Apr 2014
Correction

Thanks Martin, we've corrected that! Good spot.


Martin
02 Mar 2014
Description Error 'Around Ashcombe Bottom"

This walk incorrectly refers to the Stour Valley Way. The long distance path that is encountered on the walk is the Wessex Ridgeway, not the Stour Valley Way (which runs in the valley of the River Stour, surprisingly!)

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