Dorset, January 2022.
This 4.4 mile walk explores the countryside around Bere Down Farm which lies between the villages of Winterborne Kingston to the east, Milborne St Andrew to the west and Bere Regis to the south.
Route Map and elevation changes
Walk statistics
Weather – mainly dry, with some breaks in the cloud and one light rain shower. Relatively mild for the time of year despite the wind coming from a north easterly direction.
| Distance | 4.4 miles | Time walking | 1 hr 36 mins | Average pace | 2.7 mph |
| Ascent | 217 ft | Highest point | 282 ft | Lowest point | 148 ft |
| Flat section | 2.9 miles | Uphill section | 0.7 miles | Downhill section | 0.8 miles |
Walk Fly-through
Photography information
All photographs were captured using a Fujifilm XT3 with Fujifilm XF 16-80 lens. Images were processed in CaptureOne Pro starting with the Pro Neg Hi Fuji film simulation
Walk Description
The walk begins at the junction of Roke Road and Bere Down Lane where there is a sign for Bere Down Farm itself. I parked on the verge leaving plenty of space for farm vehicles to come and go. I suspect Bere Down Lane might be a private road but it is clearly a bridleway. As the tramac lane bears round to the right a footpath leads off to the left and I soon found myself following the edges of the cultivated fields which make up the farm.
The path is clearly defined and there are pleasing views of the surrounding countryside with a hay barn provides a good focal point for a photograph and the recently trimmed hedgerow is a useful lead in line.
Although overcast the sun tried its best to break through. The crepuscular rays of light are always worth photographing. They are sometimes known as ‘God’s Rays’ or ‘Fingers of God’.
Near the half way point the path follows the edge of the field and Sunnyside Farm lies ahead. As I approached the metal five bar gate the path turns sharp right and cuts back across the field towards West Down. A short while later and the sun did appear providing some much needed light on the landscape. The seed head of Old man’s beard or traveller’s Joy caught my eye. Officially named Clematis vitalba it is a wild form of clematis, common in hedgerows, the seeds providing a good source of food for birds and other wildlife.
Above are a few views of the farm which I managed to capture when the sun finally broke through. It didn’t last very long. For the last quarter of a mile a shower of rain started and fleetingly a rainbow appeared over the fields.
I walked back along Bere Down Lane arriving at the car just as the sun re-appeared. It seemed appropriate to take one final photograph of the farm sign and distant grey clouds in the sky.
Thoughts
This route took me through some very typical Dorset farming countryside. At this time of year the crops are more difficult to identify but Spring is not too far away, so it will not be long before the crops grow and the hedgerows burst into life after their long winter slumber. It has been a long grey winter, not particularly cold nor wet, just grey. It dampens the spirits but whatever the weather its good to get out and about, be surrounded by nature and breathing in the fresh air of the countryside.
This is the fourth recorded walk of January 2022. When I started this journal I hoped to do at least one walk a week so I have managed to do but only just. I have many other walking routes planned so I am spoilt for choice. I wonder where I will wander next?
So until next time, Happy Walking.
A lens walk 
Leave a comment