top of page
Melbury Downs
Knowlton Church
Badbury Rings
Win Green
chasing STARS.
​

We tend to look at landscapes as everything up to the horizon, but there's much more above. Miller's Huts Dorset is situated on the edge of Cranborne Chase AONB, an exceptionally tranquil, deeply rural area, where access to some of the darkest skies in the whole country can be enjoyed. Gaze skyward to enjoy hundreds of spectacular constellations. With 80% of UK residents living under light polluted skies, we see thousands of stars overhead compared with a handful seen from towns and cities. Bring binoculars because from July to Christmas you can enjoy the Milky Way in all its glory; in the winter star clusters, and in the spring planets and galaxies. A copy of Steve Tonkin's book 'Looking Through Binoculars' can be borrowed. Whilst star gazing can be enjoyed from the huts, other local places have vast swathes of sky: 

​

FONTMELL & MELBURY DOWNS 

At the top of this reserve enjoy stunning views over the Blackmore Vale, by night it offers fantastic panoramic views of the skies (3 miles, Spreadeagle Hill, or walk up Melbury Beacon from the huts).

​

WIN GREEN

prominent landmark (5 miles, Ludwell).

​

You can be a novice with a casual interest or a professional to uncover secrets of the universe. The AONB has gained international recognition for its dark skies and designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. Our dark skies are good for nocturnal wildlife, owls and moths and offer a different perspective as you encounter their world. Enjoy a night walk where landscapes are discovered anew, when the country seems yours alone and seldom glimpsed wildlife emerges to startle and thrill.

Paul Howell, Pictor Images: http://www.pictorimages.com/

Clockwise: Melbury Downs, Win Green, Badbury Rings & Knowlton Church.

bottom of page