The Wessex Ridgeway

Loose Reins is at the foot of the Wessex Ridgeway, perfect for a bike ride or adventure hike – you’ll love the fresh air and clear, blue skies.

Set out for our favourite local pub, The Ibberton, and enjoy a wonderful meal or drink before returning through ancient Ringmoor Common. Take one of our bespoke walking maps and discover your own trail.

A mans legs and boots walking through a patch of yellow grass at sunset

The Shillingstone Village Trail

You don’t have to climb hills to walk at Loose Reins. Take to the village Train in Shillingstone, stopping at the Railway Project for a cream tea or, if you’d prefer, the village pub for a local beer.

Take to the trail way or pick your way along the footpaths and bridleways that radiate across the fields on our lane. While you’re out and about, why not drop into Bere Marsh organic goat farm where the kids can meet… the kids!

A sign for the local area at Loose Reins 3 girls walking through woods on adventure holiday in North Dorset

A dog walking paradise

Dogs are very welcome at Loose Reins. After all, what’s a holiday without your furry friend? They’ll love the trail as much as you do, whether it’s pottering in the woods or bounding across the open ground.

Show them some of the best walking country for miles around and finish with a dip in the River Stour on the way home. We’ll even supply the dog towels…

DOG-FRIENDLY STAYS

A small dog racing through an autumnal woodland with a stick in its mouth
Two young women riding their bikes through an autumnal countryside

Bring your bikes

If you enjoy cycling then make sure you bring your bikes; there are plenty of routes for all abilities right here on our doorstep. Whether you want to shoot down the hill at Okeford Bike Park next door or fancy something a little more gentle, you’ll be spoilt for choice here in the heart of the Dorset countryside.

Our local village, Shillingstone, is home to the North Dorset Trailway, a cycle and walking path that runs along a dismantled railway line from Stalbridge to Spetisbury. The trailway runs close to the River Stour, so it’s a lovely route for a picnic. You can also ride on the forest footpaths and bridleways around Loose Reins.

Close menu