Grimstone Down

Downs, Moorland in Dorset

England

Grimstone Down

Direction Sign â Signpost on the A356 Dorchester Road in Frampton Located on the southwest side of the T junction of the A356 Dorchester Road and a minor road to Southover in Frampton parish. The annulus &amp; bar finial has been reused from an older fingerpost. See also <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785096" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785096">Link</a>.

Milestone Society National ID: DO_SY6295 — Direction Sign â Signpost on the A356 Dorchester Road in Frampton Credit: C Payne

Grimstone Down, located in Dorset, England, is a picturesque area that encompasses both downs and moorland. It is renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, attracting nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. Spanning approximately 500 acres, it offers a diverse landscape with rolling hills, open grasslands, and heathland, creating a unique ecosystem.

The downs in Grimstone Down are characterized by their chalky soil, which supports a variety of plant species, including wildflowers such as orchids and cowslips. These downs provide a stunning backdrop for leisurely walks and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The moorland aspect of Grimstone Down is characterized by its peat soil and heather-covered expanses. This habitat provides a haven for a wide range of wildlife, including rare bird species such as the Dartford warbler and the stonechat. The moorland is also home to reptiles like the common lizard and adder, as well as various insects and small mammals.

Visitors to Grimstone Down can enjoy a network of well-maintained footpaths and bridleways, allowing them to explore the area at their own pace. The diverse landscape offers opportunities for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Additionally, the area is known for its tranquility, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Grimstone Down is a wonderful destination for anyone seeking to connect with nature and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Dorset. Its combination of downs and moorland creates a unique environment that is sure to captivate visitors and leave them with lasting memories.

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Grimstone Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.758264/-2.5084014 or Grid Reference SY6495. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Direction Sign â Signpost on the A356 Dorchester Road in Frampton

Located on the southwest side of the T junction of the A356 Dorchester Road and a minor road to Southover in Frampton parish. The annulus & bar finial has been reused from an older fingerpost. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: DO_SY6295

C Payne

Direction Sign â Signpost

Located between Frampton and Grimstone on an island in the centre of the junction of the A37 Dorchester Road and a minor road to Langford Farm, Stratton parish. The annulus & bar finial and pillar remain but the arms of the fingerpost have gone. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: DO_SY6394

C Payne

Old Milestone by the A356, Frampton

Carved stone post by the A356, in parish of FRAMPTON (WEST DORSET District), Frampton Road, 'Milestone', No. 4., Part of the wall, on North side of road. Dorset 3 (limestone), erected by the Maiden Newton turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- 3 Maiden Newton 5 Dorchester Milestone Society National ID: DO_MNDO03.

Sheron Vowden

Old Milestone by the A37, Dorchester Road, Grimstone

(Replacement?) Carved stone post by the A37, in parish of Stratton (West Dorset District), Grimstone; opposite road junction to Winterbourne Abbas, on deep verge, on North side of road. Dorset 3 (limestone), erected by the Maiden Newton Turnpike Trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- 4 Maiden Newton 4 Dorchester Milestone Society National ID: DO_MNDO04.

James Brooke

Stratton, war memorial

On Dorchester Road; recording the names of thirteen fallen in the world wars.

Mike Faherty

Stratton, St. Mary the Virgin

Parish church on Dorchester Road, dating from C12; listed by Historic England (Grade I): Link

Mike Faherty

Stratton, Saxon Arms

Welcoming village pub on the Square. A modern building, like the village hall opposite, and houses on this side of the main road, but with plenty of character. Back bar, open plan, with drinking area front and left, and dining right. Wooden panelled ceilings, wood burning stoves and festoons of hops. Cask ales on offer at my visit: Butcombe Bitter, Moorhouse's White Witch, St. Austell Proper Job, Taylor's Landlord. Listed in the 2016 Good Beer Guide.

Mike Faherty

Stratton Village Hall

On the Square; dated 2000.

Mike Faherty

Stratton Village Green

Overlooking Dorchester Road; with seats and a playground (out of sight).

Mike Faherty

Stratton, former school

On Dorchester Road, dated 1898; now residential.

Mike Faherty

Stratton, Meadow Bottom

Like most of the housing in this corner of the village, modern; but showing sympathetic use of vernacular cladding (thatch or stone and flint).

Mike Faherty

Stratton, postbox

DT2 605, at the western end of the village, on Dorchester Road; ahead, A37 and the village by-pass.

Mike Faherty

Stratton, footpath

Alongside Dorchester Road (A37); the wonky sign indicates that the path is to be shared by pedestrians and cyclists.

Mike Faherty

Grimstone, River Frome

Looking downstream from the road to Muckleford. It is to be hoped that the sheep can swim.

Mike Faherty

Grimstone, sheep grazing

On the banks of River Frome.

Mike Faherty

Bradford Peverell, Roman Road

Lane from Muckleford to Bradford Peverell, parallel to River Frome. Beech trees are showing good autumn colour. Part of the Roman route from Ilchester to Dorchester.

Mike Faherty

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (31)

- Pillbox (type FW3/23): DoB ID: S0000043 Frampton - Church Lane - Type 23 Pillbox. On the north side of the railway embankment under all that ivy is a type 23 pillbox of brick and concrete. Also, about 200 yards away in the wood close to the railway bridge is a former ammunition store, a roofless shell of a Nissen hut that like its neighbour, has now completely disappeared under vegetation. SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (32)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (32)

- Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0000072 Frampton - Tunnel House - Site of Type 22 Pillbox. According to records almost 20 years ago there was a pillbox here that even at that time was only in 'fair' condition. The site is on farm land on an escarpment just to the northeast of the village, and overlooks the railway tunnel entrance. Nothing survives today other than fragments of the concrete roof, and the odd brick, the remainder lies buried under a soil heap covered by brambles. With thanks to Tunnel House for access. SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (33)

Mike Searle

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Grimstone Down is located at Grid Ref: SY6495 (Lat: 50.758264, Lng: -2.5084014)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset