Dorsetshire Gap facts for kids
The Dorsetshire Gap, also known as the Dorset Gap, is a very old and important meeting point for paths in central Dorset, southern England. It used to be a busy center for travelers and is now a beautiful spot popular with hikers. You can find it on the northern side of Lyscombe Hill, close to the village of Melcombe Bingham.
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The Dorsetshire Gap: A Historic Crossroads
The Dorsetshire Gap is where five ancient paths meet. These paths are now called bridleways, which means they are open for horses, cyclists, and walkers. These paths have steep, narrow cuts in the ground, made by people over many centuries. The Gap was a super important road crossing from the Middle Ages (around 500 to 1500 AD) until the 1800s. It connected trails like the Ridgeway with other paths used to move animals to the north.
How the Gap Was Formed
Long ago, travelers probably found small dips in the hills to cross over. They mainly went from the northwest to the southeast. As more and more people and animals used these paths over hundreds of years, the ground slowly wore away. This created the deep, sunken paths you see today. It's like how a small stream can carve a big canyon over time!
Exploring the Past at the Gap
All around the Dorsetshire Gap, you can find clues about people who lived here long, long ago. There are signs of settlements from prehistoric times (before written history) and the Middle Ages. You might see cross dykes on hilltops, which are ancient earthworks. There are also barrows, which are old burial mounds. Near Nettlecombe Tout, you can even see parts of an incomplete Iron Age hill fort. These are like ancient castles made of earth! In the valley below, you can find remains of a medieval village.
Hiking Adventures at the Dorsetshire Gap
If you love hiking, the Dorsetshire Gap is a great place to visit! It is part of the Wessex Ridgeway, a famous long-distance walking path. This section of the Ridgeway runs between Iwerne Courtney and Sydling St Nicholas. Walking here lets you follow in the footsteps of ancient travelers and enjoy the beautiful Dorset countryside.
