Gussage All Saints Church – Cranborne Garden Centre loop from Cranborne
Gussage All Saints Church – Cranborne Garden Centre loop from Cranborne
12
riders
Gussage All Saints Church – Cranborne Garden Centre loop from Cranborne
01:44
29.0km
180m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
3.19 km
St Giles' Church, Wimborne St Giles
Highlight • Religious Site
The first rector of Wimborne St Giles, John de Fissa, was recorded in 1207 and a church is recorded on the site in 1291. This medieval parish church was rebuilt in the 1620s under patronage from Sir Anthony Ashley, 1st Baronet of Wimborne St Giles. Ashley died in 1628 and was buried in a spectacular tomb in the church, which still survives to this day.
On 30 September, 1908, during soldering work on the lead roof, the church caught fire. The fire spread quickly and by the time it was extinguished, only the walls remained standing; the church a smoking ruin. The majority of the 1732, 1852 and 1887 fittings were destroyed, including most of the stained glass, the organ, church bells and woodwork. Only a few fittings were able to be rescued and the monuments that did survive, such as the font, were severely damaged.
Tip by
3.34 km
Wimborne St Giles Village and Church
Highlight • Religious Site
The church's origins date back to at least the 13th century, with the first recorded rector in 1207. The current building is a fascinating mix of architectural styles due to its turbulent history.
18th-Century Georgian: The church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1732 by the Dorset architects John and William Bastard, who were also responsible for much of the reconstruction of the town of Blandford Forum after a fire. The exterior of the church, with its greensand and flint walls, still largely reflects this Early Georgian design.
Tip by
7.56 km
Gussage All Saints Church
Highlight • Religious Site
Medieval Origins: The church's main body, including the nave and chancel, dates largely to the early 14th century. The walls are constructed from a mix of local flint, rubble, and various types of stone, including Shaftesbury Sandstone and Heathstone.
The Tower: The impressive west tower was built in several stages. Its lower part dates to the 14th century, while the upper stages and embattled parapet were added in the 15th century. The tower is particularly distinctive for its use of alternating bands of flint and ashlar stone.
Victorian Restoration: Like many English churches, All Saints underwent a significant Victorian restoration. In 1864, architect Ewan Christian carried out extensive work. A notable change from this period was the moving of the original medieval chancel arch to the north wall, where it now frames the organ. A new chancel arch was then built by the architect John Hicks, who was a mentor to the famous novelist Thomas Hardy.
Tip by
21.2 km
Flooded Road After Winter Rains
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
Tip by
29.0 km
Cranborne Garden Centre
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
29.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
28.5 km
328 m
107 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
14.9 km
13.7 km
435 m
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Elevation
Highest point (110 m)
Lowest point (50 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 28 July
28°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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