Walking in Dorset

In terms of coastal walking, we are spoilt for choice in Dorset. Just inland, this superb downland walk leaves the hustle and bustle behind and rewards the walker with staggeringly beautiful views across sweeping downland towards Weymouth Bay, Portland Harbour, and the Isle of Portland beyond.

Words and Pictures by Gina Patrick

Starting Point: Crossroads (junction of Church Lane, Village Street and West Farm Lane) in the centre of Osmington, near Weymouth, DT3 6EJ — park considerately in Church Lane or Chapel Lane.
Grade: Moderately easy with some steady ascents and descents.
Advice: Keep dogs on leads near livestock and secure all gates.
Distance: 6.5 miles  
Map: OS Explorer OL 15 – Purbeck and South Dorset
Refreshments: Tea Shop at Craig’s Farm Dairy at Osmington, The Springhead pub at Sutton Poyntz, and the nearby Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills. 

1. From the crossroads proceed downhill along Church Lane, passing between pretty, stone thatched cottages and then an attractive Victorian water pump on the LHS. Ignoring two footpath signs on left as you descend, take the third footpath signed for Sutton Poyntz, entering a field on left by a kissing gate. Bearing left, crossing a small stream (River Jordan) and maintaining the same direction, the footpath crosses a succession of open fields via a number of fairly dilapidated gates and bridges tucked away in the hedge-lines. This sometimes soggy path is compensated by views of the South Dorset Ridgeway and the Osmington White Horse, created in honour of King George III in 1808, who enjoyed visiting Weymouth and riding his charger, Adonis, across the Ridgeway. Eventually, keeping a hedge on LHS and passing through two double gates, the path reaches the village of Sutton Poyntz. 

A spring above Sutton Poyntz has always provided a source of clean water to the area and was also important for milling flour. Pumping equipment to supply the town of Weymouth with water was installed in 1855 and the stream/village pond opposite the Springhead pub was the header pond for Sutton Mill below, which was still working beyond World War II.

2. Turn left, go past the Springhead pub (an excellent place to take a break) and descend through the village, passing Sutton Mill on RHS and continuing ahead at a junction. Then cross the road and turn right into Puddledock Lane and continue ahead. Take the footpath signed on RHS near the entrance to Sutton Farm. Follow the track to a junction of paths and continue ahead uphill towards Chalbury Hillfort, which, dating from 800BC, is one of the earliest Iron Age hillforts in the country. Go through the gate ahead and follow the fence-line on the RHS around the corner to another double gate. Cross this field diagonally left on a distinct path to another gate. Then maintaining the same direction, continue ahead, aiming between two large pylons seen in the distance to reach a stile to the right of a stone building. 

3. Exit field to the lane and go over the stile immediately on the right signed ‘Osmington 3’. From here the views of both downland and Weymouth Bay begin to reveal themselves in their full glory. Follow the path to reach another lane, turn left and then right, taking the South Dorset Ridgeway path signed ‘Osmington 2 ½’. Continue straight ahead, going through two single gates and passing the steep gulley on RHS, known as Spring Bottom – the source of the spring above Sutton Poyntz. After passing through a double gate, take the higher path to a gate in the LH corner visible in the distance. Through the gate continue ahead and follow SDR sign towards ‘White Horse and Osmington’, passing a trig point on RHS and continuing to another gate where a permissive path to ‘White Horse’ is signed.  Continue
straight ahead.

4. At the next gate it is possible to return to Osmington via a bridleway which descends the downland diagonally left to reach Church Lane where we started. Alternatively, continue straight ahead along the ridgeway and open farmland, following Restricted Byway signs and passing through gates to reach farm buildings known as Pixon Barn seen ahead in the distance – a location which must surely possess one of the finest views in Dorset.  Continue ahead through the double gate to the junction of footpaths and take the track on RHS signed ‘Osmington’.  

5. Striding back towards the village you will now realise that the extra effort put in to get to Pixon Barn was worthwhile as the views on all sides continue to soothe the senses. Keep to the main track and continue ahead to return to the centre of the village. Now it must surely be time for tea and cake!

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