Smitten Corner Loop

The Smitten Corner Loop is an easy 10.2 km / 6.4 mi walk in the chalk hills between Winterbourne Steepleton and Littlebredy, with 260 m / 853 ft of climbing and descent and a highest point of 235 m / 771 ft. This loop mixes open downland, woodland edges and broad valley views, making it a good choice for a half-day outing of about 2.5 hours. The route’s character is shaped by the secluded Valley of Stones, a striking dry valley scattered with sarsen boulders and backed by rounded Dorset Downs slopes.

The route

Starting near Winterbourne Steepleton, the loop heads into the folds of the downs and circles through the hills around the Valley of Stones before returning to the start. The climbing is steady rather than severe, which helps keep the walk within the easy grade, but there are still a few ups and downs as the route crosses the sides of the valley. Expect a mix of field paths, bridleways and tracks, with stretches on exposed chalk slopes and others beside patches of woodland.

Highlights along the way

The standout feature is the Valley of Stones, long known for its scatter of large sarsen stones across the grassy slopes. The valley also contains nationally important prehistoric earthworks and field systems, adding real archaeological interest to the walk. Higher sections of the loop open out to broad views across the Bride Valley and the surrounding Dorset Downs, while the wooded combes and dry valleys give the route a more sheltered feel in places.

Getting there

The start is in Winterbourne Steepleton, a small village west of Dorchester and close to the A35 corridor. Dorchester is the most practical rail hub for the area, and bus services run between Dorchester and Weymouth along nearby corridors. Drivers will find the area easiest to reach by road from Dorchester, Bridport or Weymouth, using the lanes around Winterbourne Steepleton and Littlebredy.

History and nature

Littlebredy sits at the head of the River Bride valley, and the surrounding chalk hills support the classic mix of downland scenery found in this part of west Dorset. The Valley of Stones has been noted for centuries as an unusual landscape feature. The dry chalk valley and its stones also support specialised chalk grassland wildlife.

Practical notes

This is a dog-friendly route, but dogs should be kept under close control around livestock and on any access land. Good footwear is still worthwhile despite the easy grading, as chalk and grass can become slippery in wet weather and some sections may be uneven underfoot. Because the route uses public rights of way and bridleways through open countryside, it suits walkers, hikers and runners who are comfortable following a rural loop with a few climbs.