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Eggardon Hill
Iron Age hill fort and downland with views across the Marshwood Vale to the coast
Nr Askerwell, Bridport, Dorset
Car park
Park for free in lay-by (SY546942) at the bottom of the hill, cross the road and take the footpath towards the southern ramparts. (Not National Trust)
Dogs
Eggardon Hill is a dog-friendly place but please always clean up after your pet, keep it under control where livestock are grazing, and respect other walkers
No toilets. Dogs welcome under close control around livestock. Free car park: Lay-by at bottom of hill (Not NT). Fairly level circular walk on the plateau, the ramparts are steep and more challenging.
Steps/uneven terrain
Gate to access the site, then grassy paths Fairly level circular walk on the plateau to the far end of Eggardon, where there are extensive views The ramparts are steep and more challenging
By road
From Dorchester take A35 towards Bridport, following the Roman road. After 3 miles (5km) the main road leaves the old route and drops down into Winterbourne Abbas. The Roman road still exists as a minor road, so take this road and after another 3 miles (5km), you'll see the hill fort at a crossroads. Turn left here towards Askerswell and continue for 220yd (200m). Park in lay-by on left
Parking: Park in lay-by (SY546942), cross the road and take the footpath towards the sourthern ramparts
Sat Nav: Nearest postcode is DT6 3TF
On foot
The Jubilee Trail runs about 2 miles (3km) east of Eggardon Hill. The closest village to Eggardon is Powerstock. If parking in the village, follow lanes to Nettlecombe, then from Nettlecombe follow a track which begins through Marsh Farm. You will rejoin the lane from Powerstock which leads dramatically onto the ramparts of Eggardon Hill.
By train
Maiden Newton train station is approximately 5 miles away. From the station follow signs to Tollerford, cross the river and follow the lane to Wynford Eagle. Turn right and climb steeply uphill along another lane which will bring you out opposite the hill fort.
By bus
From Dorchester, the First 31 and South West Coaches 212 bus routes both go through Maiden Newton. From there, take the South West Coaches 73 bus and alight at Nettlecombe 'The Square'. It's a 35 minute walk to Eggardon Hill. (See 'On Foot' section for directions).
Highlights
Hillfort
Iron Age hillfort and downland with views across the Marshwood Vale to the coast.
Things to see and do
Take in the view
Enjoy sweeping views across the Marshwood Vale to the Jurassic Coast. Eggardon Hill is an ideal location for short walks and perfect spot to soak up the summer sunsets.
Spot seasonal nature and wildlife highlights
Watch out for orchids in spring, Adonis blue butterfly in early summer, and autumn gentian putting on a show of pretty, tube-like flowers between July and October.
Places to stay
Ash Cottage
Part of a large thatched cottage with views over World Heritage site, the Golden Cap.
Chesil Cottage
A quiet coastal getaway awaits at this seaside cottage set on a farm, with stunning sea views over Chesil beach.
Downhouse Farm Cottage
A rural retreat with far-reaching views over the Dorset countryside.
Oak Cottage
For a rural getaway close to the coast try this thatched cottage on the Golden Cap estate.
About Eggardon Hill
A great place for walking, flying kites or simply taking in the extensive views of the surrounding countryside and the English Channel in the distance.
The hill fort itself is about 2,500 years old, but originally there were two Bronze Age burial mounds on the summit. It's also an old smuggling spot - in the 18th century, Isaac Gulliver took advantage of the hill's commanding position and created a small plantation of trees to act as a landmark for his ships and help guide them to the coast.
Note: We own the sourthern half of the fort; the northern half is privately owned.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Eggardon Hill.