Name: Bokerley Dyke
Rating: 2

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Martin

Bokerley Dyke

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United Kingdom

England

South East England

Hampshire

New Forest

Martin

Bokerley Dyke

Recommended by 20 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape

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Location: Martin, New Forest, Hampshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Bokerley Dyke

5.0

(4)

hikers

1. Martin Down loop — Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs

9.78km

02:40

150m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

4.9

(9)

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2. Bokerley Ditch – Bokerley Dyke loop from Martin

7.60km

02:05

120m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.9

(9)

hikers

3. Bokerley Ditch – Bokerley Dyke loop from Martin

7.13km

01:57

110m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

Rona 🐶 + Dad (John)

April 15, 2022

3.5 mile long (prehistoric) boundary ditch

Rona 🐶 + Dad (John)

August 28, 2022

Bokerley Dyke may have originated in the Bronze Age or Early Iron Age and formed a political and cultural boundary. It was cut through by a Roman Road (Ackling Dyke running between Old Sarum and Badbury Rings) in the 1st century.

Mike Cree

August 8, 2025

Bokerley Dyke is a substantial linear earthwork, approximately 5.75 kilometers (3.6 miles) long, located on Cranborne Chase. It runs along part of the border between Dorset and Hampshire, specifically between Woodyates and Martin. It is part of a larger Scheduled Monument that also includes Grim's Ditch and other earthworks.

The dyke has a multi-period history. It is believed to have originated in the Bronze Age or Early Iron Age as an important political and cultural boundary. In the 1st century, it was cut through by a Roman road, Ackling Dyke, which ran between Old Sarum and Badbury Rings.

In the 4th century, the dyke was remodeled and brought back into use. During this period, the Roman road was blocked. A coin of Valens found during excavations dates this activity to shortly after 364 AD, with some sources suggesting it was built between 367-368 AD. This remodeling may have been a defensive measure against attacks on Britain by Picts, Scots, and Saxons. The Roman road was eventually reopened, but the dyke may have continued to be used as a boundary after the Roman administration ended. Today, it still forms part of the border between the counties of Dorset and Hampshire.

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Elevation 160 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 1 October

18°C

11°C

100 %

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Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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Location: Martin, New Forest, Hampshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

Bokerley Dyke

1. Martin Down loop — Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs

2. Bokerley Ditch – Bokerley Dyke loop from Martin

3. Bokerley Ditch – Bokerley Dyke loop from Martin

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