Kingston Lacy walk at Holt Heath, Kingston Lacy

This 8 km circular from Three Legged Cross traces a quiet loop across Holt Heath, one of Dorset's expansive lowland heaths just north of the Kingston Lacy estate. Setting off from the village, the route climbs gently onto Summerlug Hill before dropping past The Cross Keys, a handy landmark on the way out into open country.

From here the path rises again over White Sheet Hill, where views open across the heathland and surrounding woodland. You then thread through Driver's Plantation and along the edge of the Bee Garden, an evocatively named corner of the heath, before turning back towards the start. Nearby you can spot Bull Barrow, Mannington Copse and the winding line of Mannington Brook, with White Sheet Plantation and Lower Mannington adding further texture to the wider landscape.

With around 90 m of ascent spread across gentle rises, the walk takes roughly two hours at a steady pace. The mix of heath, plantation and open hilltops makes it a rewarding half-day out, and the circular design brings you neatly back to Three Legged Cross to finish.