Exploring Cranborne Chase National Landscape
The Cranborne Chase National Landscape extends across approximately 981 km² of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset, protecting a landscape of rolling chalk downland, ancient woodland, river valleys and farmland. Centred on the historic hunting landscape of Cranborne Chase, the area includes parts of the Wiltshire Downs, the Dorset chalklands and the valleys of the Rivers Stour, Avon and Nadder.
The landscape is characterised by broad chalk ridges, open agricultural land, wooded hills and small settlements connected by rural lanes and footpaths. Much of the area has a long history of farming and settlement, with prehistoric earthworks, burial mounds and hillforts occupying prominent positions across the downs. Places including Cranborne, Tisbury, Hindon and Sixpenny Handley provide access to different parts of the National Landscape.
Walking is one of the main ways to explore the area. The Cranborne Chase Way crosses the landscape through chalk downland, woodland and historic villages, while the Wessex Ridgeway follows elevated routes across parts of the Dorset and Wiltshire countryside. Shorter local footpaths connect villages, river valleys and areas of open downland, providing opportunities to explore individual sections independently.
The central and southern parts of the National Landscape include extensive areas of woodland and chalk grassland, with places such as Martin Down National Nature Reserve supporting important grassland habitats and wildlife. Further north, the Nadder Valley and surrounding downs contain villages, farmland and wooded slopes, while the western fringes connect with the landscapes around Shaftesbury and the Blackmore Vale.
Cranborne Chase also contains an important archaeological and historic landscape. Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury, stands within the wooded countryside of the Nadder Valley, while prehistoric sites such as Badbury Rings and Hambledon Hill reflect the long history of settlement and land use across the wider chalklands. The National Landscape is also recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve, with low levels of artificial light across much of its rural countryside.
Overview
Landscape: Chalk downland, ancient woodland, river valleys, chalk grassland and farmland
Counties: Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset
Regions: South West England, South East England
Country: England
Key Trail: Cranborne Chase Way
Also Connected: Wessex Ridgeway
Best For: Downland walking, ancient woodland, wildlife, historic villages, archaeology and dark skies
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