TO THOSE who live in Weymouth, Dorchester and the surrounding villages, the South Dorset Ridgeway is a constant presence.

Seen from the southern coastal plain, it is a looming escarpment marked with burial mounds and chalk figures; from the north, it’s a gentler incline.

Now this historic piece of landscape is being celebrated with its own two-week festival, the result of a three-year project funded by the National Lottery, being held to coincide with the national Festival of British Archaeology.

Sarah Harbige, the project officer, said: “We want to raise the profile of this unique piece of landscape which is incredibly important archaeologically.

“It has been the inspiration for artists, poets and storytellers down through the ages.”

The South Dorset Ridgeway Festival – from July 16 to 31 – includes an exciting mix of open air theatre, archaeology, guided walks and tours, storytelling, film and poetry. Many events are free.

The programme includes original artwork by Dorchester artist John Walker. He will be leading a walk to explore one of the inspirational locations for his paintings.

There will also be performances by folk musician and storyteller Tim Laycock, as well as by Miracle Theatre, who are bringing their adaptation of Romeo and Juliet to Dorchester.

There’s an opportunity to meet archaeologists who have been working on the Ridgeway at a symposium held at Weymouth College.

Steve Wallis, senior archaeologist at Dorset County Council, will talk about the Weymouth Relief Road archaeology and the sensational finds changing our view of the past.

For more information and bookings visit southdorsetridge way.org.uk or contact Sarah Harbige on 01305 228241.