WALKS IN DORSET at the HARDY MONUMENT & PORTESHAM (INCLUDING UPDATE ON MY NEW WHIPPET PUPPY) [4K]

This is another video in my series “Walks in Dorset” accompanied by my Whippet (Logan). In this episode, I visit the village of Portesham (6 miles South West of Dorchester) and explore the iconic Hardy Monument at the top of Black Down.
It was a special walk for both of us as it was our 100th “walk video” together on the channel!
Our 4.5 mile circular route started & finished in Portesham itself and after a quick look around the village (including the church & a very pretty little pond) we headed North to climb up to the Hardy Monument.
Along the way, as well as enjoying some spectacular views, we looked at the “Hell Stone” (a Neolithic Dolmen) as well as a a disused farmhouse. After walking through some enchanting woods (with a wonderful display of bluebells) we made it to the monument where once again there were some stunning views.
Our return journey took us along the ridge of Bronkham Hill where there were a number of ancient burial barrows as well as a few sinkholes! On the way back we passed the magnificent Waddon House and finished off with a small detour to explore the abandoned quarry just outside the village.
At the end of the video I have added some film footage providing an update on my new puppy, “Fiver”.
Map courtesy of Google Maps.
For further videos in the series, please go to: / @daveford or my website at daveford5966.w...
My Facebook page is: / davescountrysidewalks
I use a GOPRO HERO 7 Black Action Camera (sometimes with a Gimbal) & a Rode microphone (either a “Shotgun” or a Rode Wireless Go) together with a Canon Powershot SX530 HS.

[@dafadowndilly8919]

I am gradually getting through your Dorset walks and thoroughly enjoying them. Thank you for brightening my days.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. Glad that you are enjoying the series.

[@paulrunell7821]

always a joy to watch.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Paul.

[@jorose6093]

Thanks Dave and Logan, tomorrow’s walk 👍😘

[@DaveFord]

I hope that the weather is good for your walk and that there is not too much mud around after all this recent rain!

[@surreygirl2075]

Lovely mansion house interesting walk😅

[@DaveFord]

Thank you & indeed thanks for watching.

[@diogenesegarden5152]

When I was a nipper, Hardy’s Monument was the landmark we always used to look out for when travelling back from visiting my Grandad in the Midlands, so we knew we were getting close to home in Weymouth. We had many trips up to the monument for walks.

[@DaveFord]

You can certainly spot it from miles away for sure!

[@matthewdavidpope]

Happy 100 Dave, Logan and the new addition 🥂

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Matt

[@ianluke3326]

Congrats on the 100th walk Dave and Logan, here’s to the next 100!

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Ian. :)

[@SkylarkFields]

The sculpture once had a head but it fell off some years ago! I did not know about the trailway from the quarry so I have learned something watching this. Just thought that strip of iron sticking out of the ground was part of an old fence or gate so great to hear it's a remnant from the trailway. Have seen that sink hole on Bronkham Hill, so was very interested to learn about how it was formed. Enjoyed your walk very much - so much familiar scenery for me in this one. Your dogs are gorgeous and Fiver is too cute for his own good! :)

[@DaveFord]

Thanks for watching. Fiver is growing up quickly!

[@annehall9427]

Congratulations to you both on 100 walks. Fiver is such a little cutie

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Anne.

[@newforestexplorer]

Looking forward to the next 100 walks !

[@DaveFord]

I think I'll need some new walking boots! Cheers. :)

[@christinegibbins6105]

Congratulations on the 100, your sharing them is much appreciated. Fiver looks a delightful rascal. Take care.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Christine. Yes... young Fiver is quite a handful!

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Hi Dave. I didn’t know there were any sinkholes in Dorset. Something else I’ve learned from you. Lovely house you came across on the way back.
That so called Sculpture, I thought was a piece of farm machinery that had been left there, although I could clearly see what it was supposed to represent from the side view. I had to smile when you were holding Fiver. Logan had his eye on things, just in case there might have been some goodies on offer. Great video again.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Lionel. I must admit that I was expecting to see that "sculpture" at the top of the quarry!

[@CliveBishop]

Cull-peppers dish is an enormous sinkhole on Affpuddle Heath; only last month the Puddletown A35 had to be closed due to a sinkhole.

[@kevlowe3181]

Hi Dave great film. Do you know if push bikes are allowed? Thanks

[@DaveFord]

Looking at an OS map , it appears that you could cycle along the South Dorset Ridgeway (?) to the Hardy Monument. In addition there is a road that goes by the monument & a car park there.

[@kevlowe3181]

@@DaveFord many thanks looking for long descents on my mountain bike