Bettiscombe

Settlement in Dorset

England

Bettiscombe

Thorncombe: Racedown By the entrance to the estate: Looking north west from the B3165 Crewkerne – Marshwood road — Thorncombe: Racedown Credit: Martin Bodman

Bettiscombe is a quaint village located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated in the West Dorset administrative district, it is nestled in the picturesque Marshwood Vale, surrounded by rolling hills and lush green countryside. The village is approximately 7 miles northeast of Bridport and 12 miles west of the county town, Dorchester.

The village is renowned for its historical charm, with many of its buildings dating back several centuries. One notable landmark is the Church of St. Stephen, a beautiful Grade I listed building that dates back to the 13th century. Its unique thatched roof is a testament to the traditional architectural style of the region.

Bettiscombe is also famous for its connection to the paranormal. The village is home to the "Devil's Stone," a large boulder that has been the subject of local legends and folklore for centuries. According to the tales, the stone was dropped by the Devil himself during an attempt to build a bridge across the Marshwood Vale. Today, visitors and locals alike come to see the stone and ponder its mysterious origins.

The surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The tranquil atmosphere and scenic landscapes make Bettiscombe an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

In terms of amenities, the village has a small community hall, but for more extensive facilities, residents typically rely on nearby towns and villages. Overall, Bettiscombe is a charming and historically significant village that offers a glimpse into rural life in Dorset.

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Bettiscombe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.793935/-2.854896 or Grid Reference SY3999. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Thorncombe: Racedown

By the entrance to the estate: Looking north west from the B3165 Crewkerne – Marshwood road

Martin Bodman

The B3165 at Marshalsea

Looking south west near Tanyard Farm. Here the B3165 provides the boundary between Thorncombe and Bettiscombe parishes

Martin Bodman

Bettiscombe: by Horse Mill Cross

Looking south. Near Birdsmoorgate

Martin Bodman

Trees near Templeman's Ash

The trees catching the morning sunlight are alongside a small tributary of the River Char which drops down from Pilsdon Pen. Taken from the gateway in ST4000 : Bridleway to Templeman's Ash on the Wessex Ridgeway Trail a little south of Templeman's Ash.

Derek Harper

First light above Pilsdon

Early morning sunlight catching segments of the landscape. The ridge running down the foreground carries the Wessex Ridgeway past the grazing cattle. The farms visible to the right are across a myriad boundary at Pilsdon, in SY4199. Beyond is the Marshwood Vale, and past the hills on the far side is the sea.

Derek Harper

Country northeast of Bettiscombe

The northern edge of the Marshwood Vale meets the hills - Sliding Hill is to the right. Taken from a similar spot to ST4000 : Revelshay Farm, and a few minutes earlier (7:19 am). On the left is Lower House Farm, in SY4099. The hill in the distance is Coney's Castle - see SY3797 : Northeast from Coney's Castle for a corresponding view in this direction.

Derek Harper

Looking towards Lob Gate

Taken from the Wessex Ridgeway as it follows a path from Templeman's Ash to Pilsdon, looking across the southern slopes of Pilsdon Pen. Lob Gate is on the B3164, which runs behind the uppermost hedge where the trees are above the horizon. The intervening valley is of a small tributary of the River Char that flows through Pilsdon.

Derek Harper

Ash tree by the Wessex Ridgeway

This is the tree that appears on the left of ST4100 : First light above Pilsdon. The footpath heads out across the field towards Pilsdon.

Derek Harper

Farm at Pilsdon

A less blurred view of the group of buildings seen in the background of ST4100 : Signpost above Pilsdon. This is shown on the 1:25000 map as "Pilsdon Cottages", but larger scale maps identify it as "Gables". The view is across a maize field from the junction of Yard Lane and Pilsdon Lane. Forming the backdrop beyond Marshwood Vale are Stonebarrow Hill and the sea at Charmouth.

Derek Harper

Tree above Pilsdon

A large tree - an ash, I think - catching the first of the sunlight on the slopes below Templeman's Ash. The buildings on the left are at Pilsdon. The sea can be seen either side of the hills north of Chideock. Taken from roughly the same spot as ST4100 : First light above Pilsdon.

Derek Harper

Revelshay Farm

Looking down on the farm from a field close to Farthings Brake Coppice. The field forms a conservation walk adjacent to bridleway W32W22W38/7, which carries the Wessex Ridgeway down from Templeman's Ash into the Marshwood Vale. This forms the backdrop to the picture, with Conegar Hill rising beyond, and the sea visible on either side of it.

Derek Harper

Bridleway to Templeman's Ash

The bridleway which is seen crossing fields in ST4100 : First light above Pilsdon is seen here climbing the ridge between hedges. ST4100 : Trees near Templeman's Ash was taken from the gateway.

Derek Harper