To break up the long road trip from east Sussex to south Devon I stopped off in west Dorset both before arriving in Devon and after leaving. West Dorset has some iconic locations and landmarks that I had not visited or photographed before.

Return to Dorset

I have actually lived in Bournemouth Dorset two times temporarily between jobs. The first time from June 2017 and the second from January 2019. If your a budding landscape photographer and walker east Dorset close to the Hampshire border has many iconic locations to visit. I did do some brief excursions into west Dorset and Devon.

Knowlton Church Dorset

On my journey to Torquay in Devon, I found myself drawn to the enigmatic presence of Knowlton Church in Dorset. There’s something inherently compelling about ancient ruins—whispers of history that beckon through their remaining stones. Having seen images of this site ripple through social media, my photographer’s curiosity was ignited.

The day was a tussle between light and shadow. As I circled the skeletal remains of Knowlton Church, my camera became an extension of my eye, searching for that perfect composition. The light proved elusive; the clouds parted only in fleeting moments, yet those brief instances failed to cast the coveted god rays upon the church’s venerable brickwork. Nonetheless, the brooding skies served as a fitting backdrop, emphasizing the drama of the ruin’s silhouette.

Crafting Depth in Stone

Capturing the essence of the church’s architecture meant finding a perspective that breathed three-dimensional life into the two-dimensional frame. I aimed for an angle that would lend depth to the image, conscious that the wide-angle lens would necessitate correcting the vertical lines in post-processing to honor the true stance of the walls. Photographing buildings, especially ruins as storied as Knowlton Church, is an exercise in respecting the integrity of their form while interpreting their narrative through the lens.

Colmers Hill Dorset

Driving through West Dorset on the A35, the distinctive silhouette of Colmers Hill caught my eye, prompting a change of plans. Deciding to leave Torquay early, I opted to spend additional time around this well-known landmark, aiming to capture its unique charm.

Although I hadn’t researched Colmers Hill in advance, its frequent appearance on social media meant its image was familiar. Parking at the free lot at Symondsbury Estate, I made my way around the base of the hill. Fortuitously, the afternoon brought some excellent light that accentuated the hill’s features, much like the famed Sycamore Gap, though on a smaller scale.

After a thorough walk and some location scouting, I found that a lower angle, with the hill cresting the horizon, made for a more impactful composition. With a stay in Bridport that night, I was perfectly positioned for an early morning shoot the following day.

West Bay Dorset

Once settled in Bridport, I ventured down to West Bay, a striking point along the Dorset coast, as the day’s last light struggled against worsening weather. The blustery winds and rain added a raw intensity to the coastal ambiance.

The sandstone cliffs of West Bay, part of the Jurassic coast, stand out with their distinctive color and stature. Despite the challenging conditions, the small pier at West Bay offered refuge and a vantage point. I composed my shots to use the tumultuous waves as a leading line, drawing the eye towards the impressive cliff face, capturing the essence of the coast’s wild beauty.

Eype Beach Dawn

My day began early in Bridport, with the dark, wet weather setting a doubtful tone for a successful dawn shoot at Colmers Hill. Rather than waiting in uncertainty, I opted to try my luck along the coast at Eype Beach, not too far from West Bay.

As the morning progressed at Eype Beach, the sky started to clear, revealing hints of colour at dawn. In hindsight, perhaps a bit more patience at Colmers Hill would have been rewarded.

I often reflect on the impact of not using a tripod and questioning my lens choice. But that’s the essence of a first visit to any location—you work with what you know at the moment, learning as you go.

Allington Hill Dorset

With the promise of a hearty breakfast and checkout looming, I made an early excursion to Allington Hill for one last glimpse of the Dorset landscape and Colmers Hill.

Although the sunrise’s prime light had waned by the time I reached the summit, the view was still rewarding. Looking west, Colmers Hill stood against the morning sky, with the quaint Symondsbury Church nestled below. The scene captured the quiet essence of the countryside as the day began to unfold.

Abbotsbury Castle Dorset

Leaving Bridport behind, I drove to the renowned Abbotsbury Castle, eager to absorb the views it offers over Dorset’s pastoral landscape and the coastline. St Catherines Chapel, standing prominent in the distance with Chesil beach behind, was a sight I was particularly keen to capture.

The walk along the Dorset Ridgeway was pleasant, though I had hoped for sunlight to spotlight St Catherine’s Chapel. Unfortunately, the chapel’s north-facing aspect meant it was shrouded in shadow from this viewpoint. Despite this, the road trip through Devon and Dorset has been a journey of discovery, with many iconic and previously unseen locations now etched in my memory and camera roll.

Dorset’s Icons: A Photographer’s Journey

My travels through Devon’s coastal landscapes seamlessly transitioned into the rich tapestry of Dorset’s countryside. Venturing beyond my initial destination, I was determined to seize the opportunity to visit nearby iconic sites — the timeless Colmers Hill and the stoic ruins of Abbotsbury Castle.

As I wrapped up my journey through Devon, the allure of Dorset’s nearby landmarks like the iconic Colmers Hill and the historic Abbotsbury Castle was irresistible. These detours enriched my trip, adding depth to my collection with their unique landscapes. While this visit didn’t yield the perfect shot, it’s clear that the essence of these places emerges through dedicated revisits and a bit of luck. These locations have etched a place in my itinerary, promising potential for future explorations.

Check out the Dorset Landscape Photography Gallery