Dorset (Slow Travel)

Alexandra Richards (alexandrarichards.net) lived in the tiny north Dorset village of Stour Provost until her mid-20s. Career and travel writing then took her elsewhere (notably Australia, for several years), but she has always kept a base in Dorset, never wanting to sever ties with the county. Spending time away has given her a new appreciation for - and (visitor's) perspective on - the area. Dorset's hold on Alex has only grown stronger with time and in 2019 she returned to live there full time, close to where she grew up. Alex has explored the Dorset countryside on horseback, on foot, by bicycle and by 4x4. She has a particular interest in natural history and conservation, and enjoys following the work of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Having grown up in a farming community, she has a real appreciation for Dorset's local produce, which is some of the finest in the country.

• GOING SLOW IN DORSET Dorset, Some practical matters, Making the most of Slow Dorset 1 NORTH DORSET - THE BLACKMORE VALE, CRANBORNE CHASE & SHERBORNE Getting there & around, The Blackmore Vale, Cranborne Chase, Sherborne & around 2 DORCHESTER & THE PIDDLE & FROME VALLEYS Getting there & around, Dorchester & around, North from Dorchester towards the Blackmore Vale, The Piddle Valley & Bere Regis, The Frome Valley, Bulbarrow Hill, Milton Abbas & surrounds 3 THE MARSHWOOD VALE & WEST DORSET Getting there & around, Lyme Regis to Bridport & West Bay, East of Bridport via the Bride Valley to Abbotsbury, From the Somerset border to the Marshwood Vale, Eastwards from Beaminster 4 WEYMOUTH & THE SOUTHERN COAST Getting there & around, Westwards from Weymouth, including Chesil Beach, The Isle of Portland, East of Weymouth 5 ISLE OF PURBECK Getting there & around, Wareham to Swanage & north of the A351, Beyond Swanage to Lulworth Cove 6 POOLE, BOURNEMOUTH & THE EAST Getting there & around, Poole & surrounds, Bournemouth & Christchurch, Wimborne Minster & surrounds INDEX

Eye-opening and wonderfulThe Sunday Times MagazineRecommended readingWanderlust MagazineIt is impossible to praise this book too highly.Dorset Wildlife TrustPerhaps the greatest compliment we can pay this beautifully written and carefully researched book is to say that it should be on every Dorset-lovers' bookshelves - or in the passenger's seat pocket of every Dorset driver's car. It is a treasury of fascinating facts, delicious food and drink, extraordinary events and a celebration of the history, landscape and people of this beautiful county.The Fine Times Recorder