2. South of the Town

Shorter walk - approximately 1¾ miles
Longer walk - approximately 2 miles

Starting from the Town Hall go down the High Street and at the bottom bear right to Salisbury Street. Take the first turning on the right - Great Lane - and shortly turn left along a tarmac path indicated by a green footpath sign. About half way along there is a panoramic view from Bulbarrow on the skyline round to the parish of St. James nestling under the green stone spur on which stood the Saxon town. Cross the road at the end - Hawkesdene Lane - and go over the stile opposite.

Go along the grassy track and cross the stile by a gate at the end. You now have a choice of two routes.

a) Shorter Walk

Turn left and walk ahead, keeping the hedge on your left. Go through the gate straight ahead and across the next short field. Enjoy the view on your right, over Cann and the valley to Breeze Hill nicknamed "The Caterpillar", and Melbury Beacon. Cross the stile, go down the lane and turn left into Lower Blandford Road, on past the Upper School and along Salisbury Road, Salisbury Street and the High Street back to the Town Hall.

b) Longer Walk

Turn right across the field to the stile and then turn left into the lane.

Go downhill passing several houses on your right, and continue until you come to one on your left - Threeways - where you meet another lane.

Turn right here, passing the sign to Gear’s Mill - there used to be at least seven water mills grinding corn on the Melbury Brook - and several fine old oak trees.

Continue along the lane for approximately one mile to the crossroads. Turn left down Layton Lane and where it bends to the left, take the path up to the right - Shooters Lane - so called because it was the site of the medieval refuse tip.

This comes out in Angel Square. Turn left up the High Street to the Town Hall.

Map 2 South of the Town