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Fontmell and Melbury Downs

Dorset

Open expanses of flowery downland and far-reaching views

Near Shaftesbury, Dorset

Opening times
See on map

View out across the fields at Compton Down at Fontmell and Melbury Downs, Dorset

The small car parking area at Spread Eagle Hill provides level access onto the downs. The downs comprise of open grassland with some well-used routes. There are areas of steep sloping downland, which will become muddy and slippery after wet weather. Main routes are accessible for most wheelchair users and pushchairs. Keep dogs on leads as livestock graze the downs.
Fontmell and Melbury Downs - National Trust | AccessAble
Accessible route and/or map
Main routes are accessible for most wheelchair users and pushchairs.
Steps/uneven terrain
The downs comprise of open grassland with some well-used routes. There are areas of steep sloping downland, which will become muddy and slippery after wet weather. At Win Green, a route leading to the topograph and trig point is accessible along flat grassland Fontmell Down has a circular route along fairly level grassy paths, starting from the car park
Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
From Shaftesbury head south on B3081 and follow signs to Melbury Abbas. There is a car park on the right at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, just before the left turn to Compton Abbas Airfield
On foot
A series of bridleways and footpaths lead onto the downs from the local villages of Melbury Abbas, Compton Abbas and Fontmell Magna
By train
Gillingham train station 9 miles from Fontmell car park
By bus
From Shaftesbury take the Wilts & Dorset Bus service 182, Mon-Sat, stopping at Compton Abbas and Fontmell Magna.
Cycling
The North Dorset Cycle Way (National Cycle Network Regional Route 41) is a 73-mile route along quiet country lanes and villages. It passes through Shaftesbury and runs just south of the estate, through the village of Fontmell Magna
Near Shaftesbury, Dorset
01297489481
westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk

Planning your visit

Visiting Fontmell Down with your dog

Find out where you can walk your dog on Fontwell Down, an area of natural beauty with views across Blackmore Vale, and the things to be aware of when you visit.

Dog on a lead at Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire

Learning at Fontmell Down: The Forest School

The Forest School at Fontmell Down is a private woodland hired out exclusively for the use of schools and community groups. Find out more about the learning experience on offer.

A small child is adding the finishing touches to a den at Fontmell and Melbury Downs, Dorset

Two visitors walking through the grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal with the abbey ruins in the background

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