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Cerne Abbas Giant – Abbey House, Cerne Abbey loop from Buckland Newton

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Hiking trails & Routes

Cerne Abbas Giant – Abbey House, Cerne Abbey loop from Buckland Newton

Moderate

4.0

(4)

hikers

Cerne Abbas Giant – Abbey House, Cerne Abbey loop from Buckland Newton

04:50

16.8km

400m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Dorset National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

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710 m

Gaggle of Geese

Highlight • Settlement

Quaint, village-style pub that's really welcoming to cyclists.

Tip by

3.55 km

View of the Dorset Chalk Downlands

Highlight • Viewpoint

Well,somebody needs to cut down the bushes and trees, as that is all that can be seen here. oh, and ouch.. big, BIG nettle stings!!!

Tip by

5.47 km

The Cerne Abbas Giant is a large, ancient figure depicting a naked man holding a club, and it's often associated with various myths and fertility rituals.

The origin and purpose of the Cerne Abbas Giant remain a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. Some believe it might have had ceremonial or religious significance, while others think it could have been a more recent creation, possibly as a parody or political statement. The figure is well-known for its prominent, well-defined outline and its position on the landscape, making it a popular tourist attraction.

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5.96 km

River Cerne and the Cerne Abbas Giant

Highlight • Trail

The River Cerne gracefully winds its way through Cerne Abbas, meandering down the valley for about 10 miles before eventually converging with the River Frome at Dorchester. It has earned the endearing title of the "friendly river" due to the consistent bond it has shared with the villages lining its course across history. Along its tranquil journey, numerous significant landmarks have been thoughtfully erected in proximity to its banks.

Tip by

6.15 km

Abbey House, Cerne Abbey

Highlight • Religious Site

Abbey House is what is left of the Abbey at Cerne. The original benedictine abbey was founded in 987. Most of the abbey bulidings were later demolished during the dissolution of the monasteries in the late 1530's.

Tip by

6.26 km

St Augustine’s Well

Highlight • Historical Site

At Augustine’s Well’s crystal clear waters can be found to the right of the Abbey burial grounds. In the 11th century, the monks of Cerne decided that they needed a more impressive tale of their origins, so they hired a hagiographer named Gotselin to create a history of the abbey.

Gotselin did his best, and came up with a story that St Augustine was travelling through Dorset when he came upon some shepherds. He asked them if they preferred to drink water or beer. The shepherds answered 'water', so he struck the ground with his staff and a spring burst forth. Another version of the story is that he had a vision in which he made the spring burst forth and cried 'Cerno El', or 'I see God', a pun on the ancient name of Cerne, which was Cernel.

Tip by

6.37 km

Abbot's Porch, Cerne Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

'Abbot's Porch' is an architectural feature of historical significance and was the original gateway to Cerne Abbey.
Throughout its history, Cerne Abbey played a vital role in the local community and the region as a whole. It served not only as a religious centre but also as a place of education, charity, and culture.
An honesty box, located at the entrance, asks for £2.50 donation to help towards the upkeep of the site.

Tip by

6.55 km

St Mary's Church, Cerne Abbas

Highlight • Historical Site

St Mary’s is a striking Grade I-listed church in the heart of Cerne Abbas. The church was built in the 14th century, extended in the 15th century, and the tower was added in the 16th century. Inside the chancel, you can observe 14th-century wall-paintings that show four scenes from the life of St John Baptist.

Tip by

13.0 km

Fetchum Wood

Forest

16.8 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.2 km

3.72 km

527 m

262 m

106 m

Surfaces

9.42 km

3.24 km

2.94 km

1.19 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (250 m)

Lowest point (110 m)

Weather

Thursday 28 May

22°C

12°C

16 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Cerne Abbas Giant – Abbey House, Cerne Abbey loop from Buckland Newton

Gaggle of Geese

View of the Dorset Chalk Downlands