Audio Journey from Land to Sea

This audio journey takes you along the Wessex Ridgeway Trail from the highest village in Dorset, Ashmore, to the sea, Lyme Regis.

Listen to each track to experience the Trail from the comfort of your own home, or download it and take it with you on your travels. As you listen, you’ll hear stories from local residents about their lives, loves and livelihoods and hear about the breath-taking landscape and inspiring scenery.

The audio trail is split into five tracks, each varying in length and content. The total playing time is approximately 53 minutes, with each lasting on average 11 minutes.

More on the Wessex Ridgeway Trail

The Wessex Ridgeway Trail is a magnificent ridge-top route crossing Dorset’s rural heartland, starting in Ashmore on the Dorset/Wiltshire border down to Lyme Regis on Dorset/East Devon Border.

The majority of the route straddles a long chalk ridge but in places is broken up by small rounded hills and secluded valleys. Each section of the trail has its own unique identity and its delights to explore.

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Listen to the audio

Ashmore to Shillingstone

Starting at Ashmore, stories from the highest village in Dorset, Hambledon Hill National Nature Reserve, Hod Hill’s rich archaeological history and a poem created and read by children from Shillingstone Primary School

Shillingstone to Dorset Gap

Somerset and Dorset Old Railway line, steam trains, Turnworth in Spring, Thomas Hardy, Hillside Singers, Higher Melcombe Estate and the famous Dorsetshire Gap

Dorset Gap to Maiden Newton

Thomas Hardy – Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Gaggle of Geese poultry auction, the Cerne Giant, Friary of St Francis and Maiden Newton fundraiser for 1940’s village at war event.

Maiden Newton to Beaminster

Rampisham Masts, BBC World Service and transmitter station, History of Kingcombe Centre, Mapperton House and Beaminster’s historical and literary past.

Beaminster to Lyme Regis

Farming around Lewesdon, Broadwindsor and the Marshwood Vale, William Wordsworth, horse racing and fairs at Lamberts Castle, River Lim and Lyme Regis Town Mill, World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast and dinosaurs.

Request a CD

There are some CD’s available on request for free for those that would benefit from an offline version. Please email hardysbirthplace@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or phone 01305 251228 and ask for the ranger, Claire Platten, to request a CD.  A small charge to cover postage (e.g cost of postage stamp) may be required if pick up unsuitable.

Request CD