The Dorsetshire Gap is, or Dorset Gap as it's known for short, is a dip in the Dorset Downs chalk ridge between Nordon Hill and Nettleton Tout, close to the settlement of Higher Melcombe.

A number of different bridleways run through and over this pass, including the ancient Wessex Ridgeway.

It's thought that this point was part of a network of trading routes that date back as far as the Middle Ages.

Paul (JEMBC)

July 1, 2023

Cycling

The Dorsetshire Gap is a very atmospheric location, very easy to imagine Medieval traders passing through it. Be aware that the bridleways too and from it are tough, the tracks marked on the maps may not exist on the ground, cycling can be hard an slow, Still worth a visit.

Javi Jaavii

October 5, 2023

Hiking

Once you're at this well-known junction, also known as the Dorsetshire Gap, it doesn't matter which direction you head because the landscape in this area is breathtaking.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 210 m

Weather

Wednesday 15 April

15°C

9°C

39 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

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Take Me There

Location: Melcombe Horsey, West Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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