The best traffic-free bike rides in Holt Heath National Nature Reserve

Most people who pass by such a war memorial commemorating the victims will not have experienced the horrors of war firsthand. A dialogue invented by the writer Paul Harding might help. It is from a medieval detective novel, and the following exchange takes place: "Tell me, brother, when you went to war in France with your little brother, were you happy?" Athelstan felt his heart leap. "Of course." He smiled thinly. "I was young then. My blood was boiling, and I longed for great adventures." "And when you found your brother dead and cold as ice on the battlefield and returned to England... what was there?" Athelstan looked out into the courtyard; it was slowly getting dark. "In the Gospel, Sir John, Christ says that at the end of the world, the heavens will shake, and the planets will fall to earth in blazing fire." Athelstan closed his eyes. He felt Francis's spirit very clearly. "When I found my brother dead in the field," he continued, "it was like heaven falling to earth for me." (Source: "The House of the Red Butcher" by Paul Harding)

Interior Details: The interior is known for its high-quality flint work on the tower walls and a range of interesting features: Pulpit: A magnificent 15th-century pulpit is a central feature. Font: A 12th-century font is another medieval survival. Tomb Recess: Against the north wall, there is a canopied tomb recess from the 14th century. For a long time, it was thought to be a rare "Easter Sepulchre," but a skeleton was found inside during the 1860s restoration, suggesting it was a tomb. Organ: The church's organ is a fascinating piece of its history. An 18th-century Walker organ, it was gifted to the church and is said to have been used for choir practice at Westminster Abbey before its installation here. The church, set on a rise at the north-west corner of the village, is part of the "Knowlton Circle Benefice," which also includes nearby parishes like Cranborne and Wimborne St Giles, both of which are included on this cycle route.

All Saints Church is the parish church for the village of Gussage All Saints in Dorset. It's a Grade I listed building with a long and layered architectural history, primarily reflecting the Early English and Decorated Gothic styles. Medieval Origins: The church's main body, including the nave and chancel, dates largely to the early 14th century. The walls are constructed from a mix of local flint, rubble, and various types of stone, including Shaftesbury Sandstone and Heathstone. The Tower: The impressive west tower was built in several stages. Its lower part dates to the 14th century, while the upper stages and embattled parapet were added in the 15th century. The tower is particularly distinctive for its use of alternating bands of flint and ashlar stone. Victorian Restoration: Like many English churches, All Saints underwent a significant Victorian restoration. In 1864, architect Ewan Christian carried out extensive work. A notable change from this period was the moving of the original medieval chancel arch to the north wall, where it now frames the organ. A new chancel arch was then built by the architect John Hicks, who was a mentor to the famous novelist Thomas Hardy.

nice stopping off point, too the many bridleways and tracks in this area..

This is the site of Tarrant Rushton RAF during the Second World War. Gliders would take off the evening before D day and the first boots on the ground were from said gliders. The destination was Pegasus bridge in France 🇫🇷.

Nice breakfast for todays jaunt..

A place with a lot of history, and a bench if you need to stop for a drink and a snack

There is evidence that a flour mill was present here since Doomsday times, the flour mill was replaced by a paper mill in 1720. This continued to work until around 2002 when it was converted into accommodation. The mill is well situated with a mill race taken from the River Allen.