Melbury Beacon walk
Melbury Down was bought in memory of English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels of the Blackmore Vale are set. On this longer walk, you'll discover an open expanse of flowery downland, excellent butterfly populations and magnificent views.
Total steps: 4
Total steps: 4
Start point
Car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill. Compton Abbas, Dorset SP7 0DT. Grid ref: ST886187
Step 1
Turn left out of the car park and follow the road north to Shaftesbury for about 330yd (300m).
Step 2
Walk through the gate and continue straight on, following the fence line towards Melbury Beacon. Drop down into 'the saddle' and continue straight up Melbury Down.
Step 3
Once on the Beacon, take in the magnificent 360 degree view of the Blackmore Vale, Vale of Wardour and Shaftesbury.
Step 4
From the Beacon, head left over the stile, taking a more southerly route along the fence until you join the path back to the main road and to the car park where you originally started.
End point
Car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill. Compton Abbas, Dorset SP7 0DT. Grid ref: ST886187
Trail map
More near here
Fontmell Down walk
A short circular walk that takes in the cross dyke (wall and ditch) and chalk downland landscape, and the wildlife on Fontmell Down, with far-reaching views.
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.
Bonham Wood walk at Stourhead
WiltshireThis 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.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
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.
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.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
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.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Things to do at Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Fontmell and Melbury Downs in Dorset is a landscape for all seasons. Discover the array of wildlife and archaeological features to explore.
Our work: saving wild juniper at Compton Down
Wild juniper has been in steady decline for decades and is also under threat from a root disease caused by a fungal pathogen. Find out how we’re saving the shrub at Compton Down.
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.