Forde Abbey Walk
Table of contents
The Forde Abbey Walk is a beautifully scenic adventure in Dorset, England that will lead you through the countryside to view a 12th Century Cistercian Abbey. While out walking the trail, you will cross open fields populated with livestock and pass by the historic abbey, before making your way over the River Axe for some scenic riverside views. Although navigation can be a bit tricky at times, this is a great walk that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Route Description for Forde Abbey Walk
While this is a fairly laid back adventure in Dorset, the Forde Abbey Walk does feature some sections of overgrown path that are poorly signed and can be a bit challenging to navigate. Be sure to bring a trail map or GPS in order to make your way through the route. Additionally, you will be making your way through fields and will need to traverse some stepping stones over a stream, making proper walking footwear a necessity. You will also need to keep your dog on a lead for this walk, as you will likely encounter livestock along the trail. Lastly, if you are planning on visiting the tea rooms at Forde Abbey, be prepared to pay an entrance fee of £10.
With beautifully scenic views of the Dorset landscape and fascinating historical buildings, the Forde Abbey Walk is an exceptional adventure that can be enjoyed by walkers of varying age and skill level. Whether you are hoping to visit the tea rooms at the abbey itself or simply walk along the picturesque banks of the River Axe, there will be plenty to do and see on this fun walking route.
Setting out from the village of Thorncombe, you will make your way to the northeast past the Church of St Mary and pick up the footpath that will lead you out into the open countryside. Here, you will traverse the open fields and cross over some stepping stones over a small stream, following the route as it bends slightly to the northwest to meet up with Wheel House Lane.
Following this for a short distance, you will eventually bear right, heading across the field and through a small wood to pass by the 12th Century Forde Abbey. After making your way over the River Axe, you will head west along its banks until you arrive at a small footbridge leading you back across the river. Heading to the southeast, you will meet up with the road and follow it east, before turning to the right along a lane. Continuing on to the southeast, you will make your way across several more fields and some small stretches of forest, before arriving back in the village of Thorncombe where you began the Forde Abbey Walk.
Getting to the Forde Abbey Walk Trailhead
The trailhead for the Forde Abbey Walk can be found across from the Church of St Mary on Chard Street, within the village of Thorncombe.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
Year-Round
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Forde Abbey Walk Elevation Graph
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