The best walks and hikes around Folke
4.4
(276)
1,295
hikers
97
hikes
Hiking around Folke offers routes through the rolling countryside of the Blackmore Vale in Dorset, England. The landscape is characterized by a network of public footpaths crossing farmland, passing through small woods, and connecting villages like Sherborne. Most hikes feature gentle ascents and descents across hills, making the terrain accessible for varied fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Folke
- The most popular hiking route is Sherborne Park and Oborne loop, a 6.5 mile (10.5 km) trail that takes about…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
4.5
(16)
60
hikers
10.5km
02:50
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
33
hikers
11.8km
03:12
150m
150m
Hike the moderate 7.4-mile Sherborne to Alweston loop through Dorset's rolling hills and charming villages, gaining 505 feet in 3h 11m.
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4.4
(5)
25
hikers
8.45km
02:19
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.23km
01:07
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
hikers
15.1km
04:06
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Sherborne Castle & Gardens, often called the "New Castle," was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 after he decided the neighboring 12th-century ruins were a bit too "medieval chic" for his tastes. Today, it remains the private home of the Wingfield Digby family but is open to those who want to see how the other half lived during the Tudor and Georgian eras. The Castle Interior The house is a grand H-shaped mansion that has managed to hoard four centuries of high-end decor. It’s essentially a very large, very expensive time capsule. The State Rooms: Features a blend of Tudor architecture and 18th-century "upgrades," including ornate white marble fireplaces and Georgian sash windows. Art & Porcelain: The walls are lined with nationally important collections of fine art and furniture that make a modern IKEA catalog look deeply upsetting. The Family Museum: Located in the cellars, this museum covers the castle’s "Great Stories," including Raleigh’s local legacy and the 1753 transformation of the grounds.
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Sherborne is so fancy it has "spare" castles. Sherborne Old Castle started as a 12th-century fortified palace for a bishop who clearly valued "defense" over "patience." Fast forward to 1592, and Sir Walter Raleigh moves in. He tried to modernize the drafty ruins but eventually gave up, presumably after realizing medieval plumbing is just a hole in a wall. He built Sherborne New Castle nearby—a chic Elizabethan mansion. During the Civil War, Parliament got annoyed and "slighted" (read: blew up) the Old Castle. Now, the ruins serve as a romantic backdrop for the New Castle’s "Capability" Brown gardens.
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Originally a Saxon cathedral, Sherborne Abbey is a golden-stoned masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Its claim to fame is the fan vaulting—arguably the earliest and most spectacular in England—which spreads across the ceiling like delicate stone lace. The Abbey has survived fires (started by a bickering abbot and townspeople in 1437), the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the test of time. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of West Saxon kings and the stunning Great West Window. It remains a living "lantern" of Dorset, glowing with honey-colored Hamstone and a quiet, ancient majesty that defines the town.
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I always make time to pop in on my walks in this area as it is wonderfully calming and peaceful. I like to just sit and marvel at the talent of the architecture.
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A small, picturesque hamlet just off the Macmillan way. The 13th century church in the village was where Sir Walter Raleigh's second son was christened.
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With Folke Manor House dating back to the 15th century and the Parish church to the 17th century. This pretty little village won't take long to explore, but it is well worth a visit.
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Between Over Coombe and Higher Clatcombe there are beautiful views of Ambrose Hill and Patson Hill along the route. Picturesque scenery of the Dorset countryside is in abundance.
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For many, known as the ‘Cathedral of Dorset’ Founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705, Sherborne Abbey has developed from a Saxon cathedral to one of England’s most beautiful parish churches. The abbey is a Grade I listed building. It has several distinct architectural styles throughout and well worth a visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Folke and what is the hiking like there?
Folke is a small village in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, England. The hiking here is characterized by rolling countryside, with a network of public footpaths that cross farmland, pass through small woods, and connect to nearby towns like Sherborne. The terrain generally features gentle ascents and descents, making it accessible for most walkers.
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Folke?
Yes, there are over 100 marked hiking routes in the Folke area. The trails range from short, easy walks to more demanding moderate hikes, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels and time commitments.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Folke?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the classic English countryside scenery, the quiet paths through rolling fields, and the well-connected network of footpaths.
Are there any good circular walks starting near Folke?
The region is ideal for circular hikes. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. A good example is the Sherborne to Alweston loop, which takes you through the pleasant rural landscape typical of the area.
Can I find easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Absolutely. There are more than 40 easy-rated hikes around Folke, perfect for families or a relaxed day out. These routes typically follow gentle paths with minimal elevation gain. For a shorter, manageable walk, consider the Sherborne to Overcoombe loop, which is just over 5 miles (8.5 km).
Are the walking trails near Folke suitable for dogs?
Many of the public footpaths that cross open countryside are suitable for walking with dogs. However, you will likely cross fields with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead and under control. Always respect the Countryside Code.
Are there any challenging hikes for more experienced walkers?
While most trails in the Blackmore Vale are moderate, there are a few more challenging options. These longer routes involve more distance and cumulative elevation gain. You can find hikes over 9 miles (15 km) that require a good level of fitness and take over 4 hours to complete.
Where can I find the best views while hiking near Folke?
The rolling hills of the Blackmore Vale provide many opportunities for rewarding views. Hikes that gain some elevation will offer sweeping panoramas of the patchwork of fields, woodlands, and distant villages. Look for routes that climb the low ridges in the area for the most expansive scenery.
Is it possible to hike from Folke to Sherborne?
Yes, a network of public footpaths and quiet country lanes connects Folke with the historic town of Sherborne. You can easily plan a route between the two, enjoying a pleasant walk through the Dorset countryside.
Are there any hikes with a pub along the route?
Many walks in the area pass through or near villages that have traditional pubs, which are perfect for a rest stop. When planning your hike on komoot, you can check the map for pubs and cafes located directly on or near your chosen path.
What is walking in the Blackmore Vale like?
Walking in the Blackmore Vale, where Folke is located, means exploring a landscape famously described by Thomas Hardy. Expect a quintessential rural English experience with green pastures, ancient hedgerows, quiet streams, and charming stone-built villages.
Is there free parking available for hikes near Folke?
Many hikes start from nearby towns like Sherborne, which have public car parks (some paid, some free). For routes starting in smaller villages or from countryside lay-bys, parking is often available, but can be limited. It's best to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking details.
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