Starting in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, scene of Nastassja Kinski’s Tess seduction by the unscrupulous Alec d’Urberville, a gentle start leads to the brutal 10% Okeford Hill, Cat 2 climb.
A fast descent takes us to Blandford Forum, a town literally built by a couple of Bastards (architects John and William Bastard rebuilt the town in the 18th century). A long flat section sweeps down to the historic town of Wimborne Minster, passing through one of the most spectacular beech avenues in southern England.
More rolling countryside, amid pretty thatched villages take us back to the start at Iwerne Courtney.