Close up of poppies against green grassland at Fontmell Downs — Wildflowers and butterflies thrive here | © National Trust Images/ David Noton

Dorset

Fontmell Down walk

Fontmell Down was bought in memory of English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, to protect the natural landscape in which his novels of the Blackmore Vale are set. On this short circular walk you will discover the wildlife of the cross dyke (wall and ditch) and chalk downland, an open expanse of flowery downland, excellent butterfly populations and far-reaching views.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 4

Start point

Car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, Compton Abbas, Dorset SP7 0DT. Grid ref: ST886187

Step 1

From the car park walk straight out across Fontmell Down.

Grass-covered bank and ditch, known as a cross dyke, on Clubmen's Down, Fontmell Down, with trees on the hilltop at the horizon — Cross dykes on Clubmen's Down | © National Trust/Clive Whitbourn

Step 2

Cross over the cross dyke (a bank and ditch).

Ancient earthworks

Towards the southernmost end of this down is an impressive bank and ditch. Dating from between 2000 and 500BC, this late Iron Age/early Bronze Age cross dyke was most likely a territorial boundary marker, though cross dykes may have been used as trackways, cattle droves or defensive earthworks. Many of the other earthworks visible on top of the down are much more recent – the area was a golf course in the 1930s.

Step 3

Once over the dyke, turn left and walk through the gate. Head left, back up the down, in a direction towards the main Shaftesbury/ Blandford road.

Chalk downland wildlife

The southern slopes just to the south of this walking route are especially rich in plant and insect life. The tiny starry white flowers of bastard toadflax and the delicately speckled silver spotted skipper butterfly are two rare highlights. The high downs are not quite so rich in wildlife but keep an eye out for marbled white and dark green fritillary butterflies buffeting by on the breezes.

Close-up of the yellow, bell-shaped flowers of a cowslip, with grassy hills in the background, at Fontmell Down, Dorset — A cowslip in flower at Fontmell Down, Dorset | © National Trust/Clive Whitbourn

Step 4

You will come to a small wooden gate on your left. Go through the pedestrian gate and follow the path along the road, which will bring you back to the car park.

End point

Car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, Compton Abbas, Dorset SP7 0DT. Grid ref: ST886187

Trail map

Route map for the Fontmell Down walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

View of Hod Hill, Dorset, and the surrounding countryside

Trail

Hod Hill circular walk

This short walk skirts the ramparts of the Iron Age fort at Hod Hill. Perched high above a meander on the River Stour, if offers sweeping views over the Dorset countryside.

A brown, orange and cream patterned male Marsh Fritillary butterfly

Trail

Hod Hill butterfly walk

This mile-long trail involves a gentle stroll around the Iron Age fort at Hod Hill, with a special focus on spotting the many species of butterfly that live here.

The domed, white Temple of Apollo surrounded by trees overlooking the lake at Stourhead

Trail

Bonham Wood walk at Stourhead

Wiltshire

This gentle walk takes you behind the Temple of Apollo through the picturesque Bonham Wood, and returns along a WWII airfield. A springtime hotspot also for daffodils and bluebells.

From Melbury Hill looking towards Shaftesbury, Dorset

Trail

Melbury Beacon walk

Feel like you're on top of the world with the spectacular 360-degree views from Melbury Beacon.

Near Shaftesbury, Dorset

01297489481

westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

The garden path leading to the Hardy's Cottage, Dorset

Article

Where is Thomas Hardy's Wessex?

Thomas Hardy’s vividly imagined Wessex has enchanted readers of his novels for decades. Discover how the author brought the fictional county to life.

Looking over a drystone wall and across a grassy clifftop, two people look out to sea from behind a wooden fence

Walking in Dorset

From strolls along the coastline by the sea to spectacular views over three counties at the top of Hambledon Hill, these are some of the best walks in Dorset this winter season.

Walkers climbing rocks against a bright blue sky with the mountains in the distance at Sugarloaf, Monmouthshire

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.