The Old Ways

It’s a warm sunny morning so a useful time to ascend another hill !

One of the most recognisable scenes in Dorset is Colmer’s Hill. This iconic conical-shaped hill rises 417 feet above the village of Symondsbury . The hill took its name from 'Colmer Tenement' back in 17thC. During the First World War Caledonian Pine were planted on the hill, and more recently Monterey Pine.
It’s a short walk to the top and there are great panoramic vistas out to the sea and across the villages and the hills of Dorset. Luna tries to check out the sheep !

We visit Tolpuddle site of the Tolpuddle Martyrs where six agricultural labourers from the village in 1834, were convicted of swearing a secret oath as members of the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers and the beginning of trade unionism !

The ancient sycamore tree on the village green, known as the Martyrs' Tree, is said to be the place where the Martyrs swore their oath.

We visit Godmanstone which used to have a pub—The Smiths Arms—which claimed to be the smallest in Britain. The story was that the original licence was granted by King Charles II requested that the village smith serve him a glass of porter. The smith refused because he had no licence, so Charles granted him one on the spot and was served his drink.

We pass by Athelhampton house on route for Bere Regis and it’s very impressive church ! . It has, among other unusual features, an outstanding roof to the nave, which features carved statues depicting the twelve apostles.

Then it’s off for a family get together and down to Lulworth cove - geographers heaven- where there is great late afternoon sunshine and Durdle Dor and it’s beach.... and fish and chips for tea with lashings of beer !Read more