Cerne Abbas Self-Guided Walking Break

You can choose your own dates for this 2 or 3 night short break (2 days' walking), subject to room availability.

You will be accommodated in the idyllic village of Cerne Abbas, well known for its huge chalk giant of mysterious origins. It has a general store, a Cerne Giant gift shop, three characterful pubs, a church and houses dating back to the late 15th or early 16th century. Cerne Abbas is one of Dorset’s most beautiful villages, and is surrounded by gorgeous countryside.

Each of the two trails (moderate) starts in the village and goes through scenic, rolling countryside. It is a short taxi ride from Sherborne and Dorchester railway stations, which are reached from London in 2½ hrs or less.

On one day, after a stop (if you wish) at a pleasant pub in a typical Dorset village, you head for Minterne Magna, where, in the 17th century, the first Sir Winston Churchill lived. You will have the time to see the house (from the outside) and visit the beautiful and little known Minterne Gardens before completing the round walk back to Cerne Abbas via the Giant.

The other trail is mostly a ridge walk along an old drover’s path, with a choice of village pubs on the way. You end up in Dorchester, Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge, with its excellent museum and other sites of interest. A local bus will bring you back to Cerne Abbas.

Each trail is approximately 10 miles (16 km) in length.

Some of the highlights are:

• Cerne Abbas itself, with its Abbey ruins, medieval tithe barn and attractive streets
• The Cerne Giant
• Minterne Gardens
• The pretty village of Buckland Newton, with its pub called the Gaggle of Geese
• The county town of Dorchester.

We will give you our detailed and informative Cerne Abbas Trail Guide that includes step by step walking directions and interesting background material on places along the trail, as well as all other information that you might need for your holiday.

It would be quite feasible to arrive on a Friday evening, walk on Saturday and Sunday to return home on Sunday evening, although a 3 night break would be a more comfortable option.

We can sometimes offer family rooms and special prices for children, depending on the accommodation that is available at the time, but early booking is advisable. Please give us details of your requirements on the enquiry form.

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