If you want to know why West Country Beef and Lamb taste so good, you can take a cycle around the route which includes the Piddle Valley.
This is classic Dorset Downs countryside with chalk downlands producing long growing seasons and wildflower rich grass perfect for rearing the lamb and cattle that are offered on many a Dorset plate.
This area is also home to numerous cherry orchards, look out for the beautiful blossom in May and then quench your thirst with some of the gloriously coloured juice available from local sellers. If you fancy a glass of something stronger, this route takes you past award winning Langham Estate, a 30 acre vineyard producing world class sparkling wine.
This route follows quiet roads and country lanes from Athelhampton House, in the Piddle Valley, through the chalk downs to Milton Abbas village. Have a look at the handy map and guide below to get a flavour of the route.
Download a more detailed OS based map here
By car:
Athelhampton House have kindly agreed that all Dorset Pedallers can use their car park (no charge). You can find out how to get to Athelhampton House and more information about this stunning historic property on their website.
Public transport:
The nearest train station to Athelhampton House is in Dorchester (approx. 7 miles) and you can follow National Cycle Network 2 to Woodsford and then head north to Puddletown from there. There is an occasional bus service (187) to Puddletown, though this does not take regular bikes.
For further public transport information, including route planner, visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk
To help you discover the great tastes of Dorset and make the most of your day, download all the information you will need in our special guide.
Before you set off, it is worth checking location and opening times of the Dorset Food & Drink businesses we have listed in the route guides and maps:
Suppliers in the area (not open to public)
More things to do
The Visit Dorset website is a good place to go for accommodation, events and ideas of places to go if staying in Dorset
Other routes
This route appears on the Sustrans Dorset Downs Cycle Map available at Tourist Information Centres or order from the Sustrans website
