Sherborne Castle estate 5 mile circular (4/10 difficulty rating)

Sherborne is one of the hidden gems of the UK, with two castles and a spectacular abbey. Anyway, a relatively easy going walk around the outer parts of the Wingfield-Digby family estate, with views towards the newer castle famous for Sir Walter Raleigh.

Not quite in Somerset I know, but only just over the border from Yeovil for south Somerset folk! Starting at the front of Sherborne Railway Station we have a public transport option - although bear in mind that train connections from central and northern Somerset to Sherborne are terrible. You are best getting to Yeovil Pen Mill by train and we can probably arrange a pick-up from there. I can certainly do a pick up/drop-off from Pen Mill if needed, as I won't be able to offer a lift from Taunton for this one I'm afraid. Just comment below if you need help getting to the start point.

We start walking across the estate nearest the castle, then into the woods past the barely visible remains of the WWII US military hospital and through the deer park to the outer reaches of the estate. On the return we will head via the town to pass the historic area around the abbey, with the option of a coffee or beer stop around lunchtime for those that don't need to head off straight away. Please note that there is a short stretch of footway along the A30 which is safe but not that pleasant - if people have enough energy near the end I will take us an extra mile for a more pleasant walk to cut that bit out.