ボワーチョークの天然記念物・トップ6

少し不気味な趣のある建築探訪がお好きなら、Knowlton Church & Earthworks（詳細はこちらをクリックしてサイドパネルを開いてください）は、ドーセットで最も雰囲気のある場所の1つです。ここは基本的に「歴史のサンドイッチ」であり、12世紀のキリスト教会が、はるか昔の新石器時代の環状列石の中に直接建てられました。 究極のマッシュアップ：ここは、聖地を「再利用」した珍しい例です。ノルマン人は異教の儀式が行われた円の中心に教会を建て、数千年に及ぶ視覚的なタイムラインを作り出しました。 幽霊の雰囲気：人里離れた場所にあることと、荒廃した状態であることから、地元では幽霊話のホットスポットとして知られています。「窓の中の顔」を信じるかどうかは別として、周囲の野原の静けさが、この場所を信じられないほど神秘的に感じさせます。 環状列石の高台：巨大な円形の土塁に沿って歩くこともできます。頂上からは、リングの中心に堂々とそびえ立つ教会のフリントの壁の廃墟を一望できます。 過去とのピクニック：多くの観光スポットとは異なり、ここは完全に開放されており、自由に散策できます。毛布を広げてサンドイッチをかじりながら、4000年前の建設者たちが何を考えていたのかを想像するのに最適な場所です。

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.

End of April is the best for bluebells

One of the most beautiful places in the south of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and amazing views of Wiltshire and Dorset 🤩

Win Green at 277 m is the highest point on Cranbourne Chase. The tree topped summit also has a Bronze Age hill barrow, topography stone and trig point. Lots of great running loops from here as well as easy parking close by.

Walk here in the spring to find carpets of bluebells under the trees. The woods are great for other wildflowers as well, such as celandines, primroses and the tall spears of great mullein and foxgloves.

The remains of a 12th-century church within the old earthworks of a Neolithic henge. A bit of a jumble of pagan and Christian worship. Look out for the remains of the old yew tree avenue.

Win Green hill at 277m is the highest point on Cranborne Chase. The trig point affords panoramic views apart from the bit blocked by the little clump of trees on the summit. The beech trees are growing on a Bronze Age bowl barrow. It's managed by the National Trust and is often busy because it's close to a car park. Still very nice though!