...The fine clear chalk stream known as the River Piddle meanders along the valley alongside, and sometimes through, the twin villages of Piddlehinton and Piddletrenthide, both of which are flanked by high chalk downs. Up on these downs, there are glorious views over the surrounding countryside of proverbial rolling hills and gently sloping valleys. Our route leads you straight into a land almost devoid of human habitation where you will probably meet the odd deer and almost certainly a couple of buzzards patrolling their hunting grounds. At this time of year, arable fields are planted and resting before the spring’s sun urges them to greater effort. So, without tractors ploughing, spraying or harvesting, it’s really peaceful. Enjoy the open skies and the long views on this delightful walk - and take your time.

...The focal point of this lovely walk is Up Cerne, of which Jo Draper says, in her book Dorset, The Complete Guide, ‘a tiny hamlet in a lovely setting of chalk hills and park, with lots of trees. The manor house is 17th century with later alterations, and the church is mostly of 1870’.

Actually, the parish church, not dedicated to a particular saint, is very old: the chancel was rebuilt in the early 16th century, and a 15th-century window was re-set into it at the time. But the best part of this walk is the solitude of the wide valley tracks and the high wooded hills, perfect for a little contemplation. You’ll feel miles from anywhere except that ‘tiny hamlet‘. The silence is only broken by the wind in the trees, the cackling of pheasants, the cawing conversations of crows and the twittering of birds in the woods. Take your time and enjoy the peace...

...This walk takes in beautiful woodland and high downs where redwing and fieldfare feed; country estates and valleys where long shadows are cast from winter sun. Then there’s the gin-clear chalk stream and the site of the Roman dam and reservoir which fed the aqueduct to Poundbury hill-fort at Durnovaria (Dorchester), nearly five miles away. What more could be crammed into a mid-winter holiday walk? Wrap up and take your time and enjoy it...

...a gentle circular walk from Dorchester along river banks and through fields to Kingston Maurward college returning by footpath

...Starting in the chocolate box village of Evershot, an easy walk along paved road through the rolling hills of the Melbury Park estate and deer park, landscaped by Capability Brown, before returning by footpath through fields and forest