This loop is 3.3 miles, with a total ascent of 233ft, it will take 1 hour 15 minutes. Please do respect the paths and where possible walk in furrows not through any crops, you might get shouted at if not!
This is the first of many walks that Michelle and I plan to document over the coming weeks and months – we will link them to the Ordnance Survey App so that you can access our preconfigured route on your phone in advance of setting off, or you can just print this page and take it with you. We have also taken pictures along the way so that you’ll have a visual reference. All routes start and finish at the Dinnington Docks so that you can start or finish with a pint or two and some food if the fancy takes you… of course we’re happy for our Guests to use the carpark while walking. As I’m sure lots of you know we are dog friendly, we have a dog ‘poo’ bin near the skittle ally, a hose to wash your dog and footwear as well as a boot brush by the back door and bowls of water inside and out, if you need a dog blanket please just ask… please do pick up poo if you use the pub garden.
Ordnance survey route: Click Here
The first section starts in front of the pub… Finish your pint of Cask Marque approved local Ale and exit via the front door, cross the road and join the footpath bearing left around the end cottage Garden where you’ll find The Hut @ Dinnington, it’s a lovely Sheppard’s hut that sleeps 2, hosted by Sarah and Tim – highly recommended. Pass through the Gate and into the field – the path does run diagonally across the field but if in crop please walk the field margin, over the stile into the road past the old farmyard at Mill Farm on your left you’ll find the path continues.
This next section takes you past the stream and up towards Crimbleford Knap, the first field often has cows – so dogs should be on their leads, due to the shape of the field you might not immediately see them. Heading almost due north you’ll see the stile next to a field gate into an orchard… this is a short fenced section bearing round to the left – you’ll see the amazing Copper Beach tree – such a deep beautiful colour, it stand prominently on the side of the Fosse Way leading to and from Dinnington. Cross the road and follow Longforward Lane almost instantly you’ll see the path towards Meade Farm.
Before you do just have a look around at the views across the orchard towards Lopen and back down towards Hinton St. George. The Fosse Way gently meanders away in both directions – what beautiful countryside we’re so lucky to be in.
Pop over the stile and into the field walking down the side of the hedge, you’ll come to a crossing into the next field on your left, if you look across the field you’ll see a gateway into the field in front of the farm and then between the farm yard and the cottages on the right is the next stile – please stick to the paths through this section – you might get shouted at if not – additionally you’ll cross another path running at 90 degrees to you – keep walking towards Meade Farm.
Turn right on the yard lane and the path continues up the side of the farm building, slight left through the yard and out in a small field towards Seavington St Michael… Please be aware that the farm has dogs loose most of the time – they will run at you barking furiously – I’ve always found them harmless but please be aware of your own dogs – they have signs to warn you to keep your dog on a lead. Follow the path up the side of the field and you’ll see a bungalow with a mowed section next to its fence – just look at their view, I’m jealous of the people that live here, they’re very friendly and always chat, they have a view to die for… you come out onto a lane turn left towards St Michaels Church.
Worth stopping if just to sit on the bench in front of the Church or to have a look inside this lovely quant 14th century village church – just so typical of the area. As you walk away from the church you’ll see a fenced path leading away to your left – which emerges via a house drive onto a residential road.
Go left which take you towards the village hall past playing fields and children’s play area. Bear to your right at the bottom of the road towards Seavington St Mary where you’ll find a path running diagonally across the field towards some cottages at Prospect Place, follow the path around the end past the telegraph post. You’ll exit into Prospect Place in the corner of the field next to a single garage, left and up the lane past the cottage you see the path right in front of you. We met some of our regulars out with their dog Charlie… You can’t get lost through this section, a dog leg through a gateway across the final field delivers you at my favourite point of the walk.
You’ll find a bench with an Oak tree (stunted to maintain the view) which was planted in memory of local Tony Carr by his wife and family – it’s just such a nice spot to stop and just enjoy the view. Take the path down the step where you’ll emerge onto Longforward Lane if you look to your left you’ll see that awesome Copper Beach tree.
Go right and after a short distance you’ll find the stile on your left with the path running down towards the gap between the lakes – of course this is all that remains of the Docks that the pub is named after. Passing down between the lakes the path dog legs up the field and enters an old section of hedged path – it’s glorious – the smell of the wild garlic is heady, and the view is just lovely. You emerge in front of small paddocks with even smaller horses – bear left and follow the field edge around the rear of the pub garden and carpark and onto the Fosse Way.
You’ve finished – time for another pint and some lunch inside on a wet day or if like us it’s a beautiful day relax in the pub garden. I hope you enjoy this shortish walk any feedback please do let us know. Indeed, if you’d like us to feature one of your walks to and from the pub, we’d be happy to do so.
