Fontmell Down and Melbury Hill
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Walk directions
Take the rough track from the bottom right corner of the car park, walking downhill towards Compton Abbas. Pass an old chalk quarry. Soon turn right up some wooden steps and cross a stile to access Compton Down. Bear left and uphill towards a fence, and eventually join it at a corner. Pick up a narrow cattle path just below the fence to contour down and around the shoulder of the Down, heading towards the saddle between the Down and Melbury Hill.
Pass a steep, natural amphitheatre on your left and continue dropping gently to join the saddle at a fingerpost and gate. Turn left here to head upwards to the top of Melbury Hill – a steep climb but well worth it for the views. Pass the scar of an ancient cross dyke, on the left as you climb, and look down the other side to the silvery tower of Melbury Abbas church.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Downland tracks, muddy bridleway, village lanes
Landscape
- Rolling downland with superb views
Dog friendliness
- Some road walking
Parking
- Car park on road south of Shaftesbury, with National Trust sign for Fontmell Down in the bottom left corner
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
Since the end of World War II over 80 per cent of the chalk downs in England have been altered or lost because enriching artificial fertilisers have been introduced and land has been claimed for arable crops. Grazing is the key, in a scheme first introduced by the Neolithic farmers. Without...
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Walking in Safety
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Grosvenor Arms
The Grosvenor Arms is a boutique hotel in Shaftesbury. With Georgian features, contemporary design, and fabulous seasonal menus, it is a quality place to eat, drink and stay in the anci...
King John Inn
Very much the traditional village inn, the King John Inn has so much appeal, located in the sleepy village of Tollard Royal, on the borders of Wiltshire and Dorset. The bedrooms have be...
Hammoon Manor Barn
Hammoon Manor offers luxurious self-catering accommodation, located in the heart of Thomas Hardy’s ‘Vale of Little Dairies’ and two and a half hours from Central London. It's surrounded...
Hammoon Manor Barn
Hammoon Manor offers luxurious self-catering accommodation, located in the heart of Thomas Hardy’s ‘Vale of Little Dairies’ and two and a half hours from Central London. It's surrounded...
The Coppleridge Inn
The Coppleridge Inn is a beautiful country pub with amazing views of the Dorset Countryside. The inn offers high standard, en-suite bedrooms located in a pretty courtyard and delicious ...
Loose Reins
A chance to embrace the pioneer spirit in charming frontier-style porched cedar cabins and canvas lodges in a great location near Shillingstone in Dorset. Comfort assured, with fully eq...
Church Farm Caravan & Camping Park
A spacious park located within the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which has been awarded Dark Sky status; the site is split into several camping areas, including one...
Duncliffe Chalet
With glorious views over green fields and luxurious fittings within, Melbury Chalet is a Scandinavian-style, three-bedroom building that makes an excellent base for family or friends. I...
Places to eat nearby View all
