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Melcombe Horsey

The Dorsetshire Gap

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The Dorsetshire Gap

Hiking

4.6

(13)

Cycling

4.4

(8)

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Dorset National Landscape

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  • Location: Melcombe Horsey, West Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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    Tips

    June 18, 2020

    Cycling

    The Dorsetshire Gap is, or Dorset Gap as it's known for short, is a dip in the Dorset Downs chalk ridge between Nordon Hill and Nettleton Tout, close to the settlement of Higher Melcombe.

    A number of different bridleways run through and over this pass, including the ancient Wessex Ridgeway.

    It's thought that this point was part of a network of trading routes that date back as far as the Middle Ages.

    July 1, 2023

    Cycling

    The Dorsetshire Gap is a very atmospheric location, very easy to imagine Medieval traders passing through it. Be aware that the bridleways too and from it are tough, the tracks marked on the maps may not exist on the ground, cycling can be hard an slow, Still worth a visit.

    October 5, 2023

    Hiking

    Once you're at this well-known junction, also known as the Dorsetshire Gap, it doesn't matter which direction you head because the landscape in this area is breathtaking.
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    Nearby routes

    Best routes near The Dorsetshire Gap

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    5.0

    (3)

    14

    hikers

    #1.

    Ansty & Dorset Gap loop

    11.5km

    03:09

    180m

    180m

    Hike the moderate 7.1-mile Ansty & Dorset Gap loop in Dorset, featuring historic landmarks, varied terrain, and spectacular views.

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    Moderate
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    4.5

    (4)

    10

    hikers

    Hike the difficult 16.2-mile Dorset Gap loop from Bulbarrow Hill, gaining 1654 feet with panoramic views and historical features.

    Hard
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    Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

    Hard

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 210 m

    Weather

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    Today

    Saturday 25 July

    23°C

    16°C

    44 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h

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    Location: Melcombe Horsey, West Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

    Other Popular Places to Check Out

    North Dorset Trailway

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