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 The Mooching Minister.

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.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 160 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 18 November

7°C

5°C

10 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Pentbury Knoll (Pentridge Hill Summit)

Ebble Valley Country Road

Tree-Lined Road from Moor Crichel

Wimborne St Giles Village and Church

Grovely Wood Forest Path

Tree-Lined Avenue in Cranborne Chase

Queen Elizabeth Gardens

Wimborne St Giles Pond

Chalk Downland Descent

Beech Avenue, Cranborne Chase

View from Ox Drove

View from Hadden Hill

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️