June 2017 | 117
The Foodie Routes tell the story of how Dorset is fast becoming the “ larder of the South West ”. In the two new �orset Pedal leaflets there are ma�s and detailed information on four routes covering Eastern Dorset and Purbeck �one of which in each leaflet caters for walkers� , and four routes covering Northern Dorset and the Stour Valley . An added bonus is the cafés and shops featuring Dorset Pedal stickers to alert cyclists and walkers to the tasty treats and discounts available especially for Dorset Pedal people .
The Eastern Dorset and Purbeck Pedals will let you explore both the undulating Dorset Downs countryside as well as taking you down to the coast where there are stunning views of Poole Harbour and the miles of unspoilt sandy beaches at Studland Bay . di�cult to see why meat from this region is worthy of international recognition .
If you fancy a break from cycling , it could be time to visit the county town of Dorchester and experience an unashamedly Hardy-flavoured walk through the former lush water meadows to his birthplace at Thorncombe Wood . In Hardy ’ s day , the canny farmers used to work the fields surrounding �orchester all year round by making the most of the nearby chalk river and streams . �y flooding these water meadows in late winter , they
Route One is a 17-mile cycle and takes in Milton Abbas , the Piddle Valley and classic Dorset Downs country , much loved by the aforementioned Thomas Hardy and still as alluring and atmospheric today . With intimate chalk stream valleys and wide open windswept downs , it feels like time has stopped still here .
This particular ride doesn ’ t dwell on Hardy ’ s lifetime ; the chalk has been a big draw for thousands of years and there is a much deeper story to tell . As you cycle by , tick off remnants of ancient farming , medieval estates , and the strange story behind a Capability Brown landscape found at Milton Abbas . Here , what seems like the quintessential English village , with its beautiful walks taking in the picturesque abbey , lake , chapel and pub , with uniform streets of thatch and cobb houses , turns out to be what can probably be claimed as England ’ s first new town . This is because the entire village was relocated in 1770 from a nearby valley to make a better view for the local dignitary .
However , in Dorset , those in charge didn ’ t always get their way ! Cycle on to Tolpuddle and you will discover the museum of the famous Tolpuddle Martyrs where there is a village trail to help reveal how their lives and struggles triggered the rise of the Trade Union Movement in the UK in the 1830s . This route is certainly an eclectic slice of Dorset history , providing exercise for the mind as well as for the body !
This area is home to a thriving cherry orchard and vibrantly coloured liquid cherry juice is available from local sellers along the route . Or , if you are seeking something stronger , you may find yourself cycling �ast unexpected rows of vines from award-winning sparkling wine producer Langham Wine Estate which should provide plenty of inspiration . Cattle and lamb can be seen gra�ing on the wildflower-rich grass and it ’ s not
could get the grass growing for their cows and sheep sooner . The trick was in the chalk springs , which kept the water at a warm 5-8 ° C – perfect grass-growing temperature .
If you are a fan of Thomas Hardy , this food route takes you through Casterbridge , Hardy ’ s fictional name for Dorchester , which is a well-known food hub for lovers of Dorset produce . Here you can sample the Dorset Knob – a unique savoury biscuit made by a well-known Dorset family since the 1880s . These are so popular , there is even a whole festival named after them called the Dorset Knob Throwing Festival .
You may want to treat yourself to one of the delicious cream teas to be found in the village of Corfe , before starting on a 15-mile pedal that begins at one of Dorset ’ s very well-known landmarks . This cycling route begins at Corfe Castle before heading off around Purbeck towards Worth Matravers , where there are some superb views of the sea . This is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site which has a great story of over 185 million years of rock history to tell , providing an outstanding backdrop to this ride . Look out for the evocative Dorset names of Winspit Bottom , Tilly Whim and Dancing Ledge .
Durlston Castle and Country Park is well worth a detour and there are exhibitions and information about the wildlife of the area as well as a tempting “ seven-mile menu ” celebrating the wealth of local produce .
Cycling on to Swanage , there is a choice of another form of transport if you are too tired to complete the circular route . You can choose to catch the steampowered Swanage Railway taking you back to the start of the route at Corfe where you may decide to try some scrumptious and truly local Purbeck ice-cream .
Revealing the secrets of Poole harbour and the Purbeck heaths , Route Four is a gentler ride of around 13.5 miles and goes around Rempstone , providing some stunning