Maiden Newton Walk
This Dorset based village sits in a rural spot on the River Frome near to the county town of Dorchester. Two major long distance walking trails pass through the village and there's also a National Nature Reserve a short walk away.
This circular walk from the village visits the Hog Cliff Bottom Nature Reserve before a stroll along the River Frome.
The walk starts at the railway station where you can pick up the Wessex Ridgeway long distance footpath. Follow the trail north east before heading east along public bridleways to Ford Hill and Hog Cliff Bottom. You can follow a circular bridle path around the attractive site where there are some lovely country views and lots of wildlife to see.
After exploring the reserve the route then heads to Langcombe Bottom where you cross the railway line and the river at Little Cruxton.
The route then picks up a section of the Macmillan Way and follows it north to the river and the village.
Postcode
DT2 0BP - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsMaiden Newton Ordnance Survey Map 
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Maiden Newton Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Maiden Newton OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Maiden Newton Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Back in the village you can enjoy rest and refreshment at the Chalk & Cheese public house. The friendly pub serves good food and has a nice beer garden for warmer days. You can find them very close to the train station at 53 Dorchester Road with a postcode of DT2 0BD.
Dog Walking
The country trails make for a fine dog walk and the village pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Frome Valley Trail runs through the village providing an opportunity to continue your walking through the Frome Valley. You could follow the trail north to the idyllic village of Evershot. The village has strong connections with Thomas Hardy and includes a noteworthy 16th century pub and walking trails to the nearby Melbury Park Estate.
Heading south east along the trail would take you into Dorchester via the Muckleford Nature Reserve and the village of Bradford Peverell.
Just to the north east is the neighbouring village of Sydling St Nicholas. It's a delightful place with thatched 18th century cottages on a chocolate box High Street, a noteworthy 15th century church and a fine centuries old pub. There's also nice walks along the pretty Sydling Water here. You can follow the Wessex Ridgeway Trail north east for about 2 miles to reach the village.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Allotments and countryside view from Maiden Newton Railway Station where the route starts.
The Wessex Ridgeway, Maiden Newton. Descending into the Frome valley between a fields of wheat and mown hay. Combe Bottom falls steeply away to the right of the track which is only a public footpath at this point.
View Across Coombe Bottom. View SE from the road out of Maiden Newton to the Folly hHill crossroads on the A37. The hill in the distance is Fore Hill and the Wessex Ridgeway runs along the top of the wooded area.
Hog Cliff National Nature Reserve. The bridleway descending into Hog Cliff Bottom from the A37. Earthworks show up on the opposite hillside.
Langcombe Bottom, Maiden Newton. Arable fields occupy flatter land above and below the combe's steep escarpment.
Breakheart Hill. View SW towards Fore Hill in the distance.
Looking into Plain Bottom, the northern continuation of Hog Cliff Bottom.
River Frome near Lower Frome Vauchurch