Fontmell Down walk

Dorset

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

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.

Near to

Fontmell and Melbury Downs

Start point

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

Trail information

View route

Print trail

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Duration 45 mins

Dog friendly***

*Steep slopes, with uneven surfaces which become muddy after wet weather. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**The small car park provides level access onto the downs. There are steep slopes, which become muddy and slippery after wet weather. Main routes are accessible for most wheelchair users and pushchairs. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome under close control. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Address
Car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, Compton Abbas, Dorset SP7 0DT. Grid ref: ST886187
Directions via Google Maps
By bus
From Shaftesbury take the Wilts & Dorset service 182 to Compton Abbas and Fontmell Magna.
Cycling
The North Dorset Cycle Way passes through Shaftesbury and runs just south of the estate, passing through the village of Fontmell Magna.
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.
Total stages: 4
Total stages: 4
Start point
Car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, Compton Abbas, Dorset SP7 0DT. Grid ref: ST886187
Stage 1
From the car park walk straight out across Fontmell Down.
Cross dykes on Clubmen's Down | © National Trust/Clive Whitbourn
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
A cowslip in flower at Fontmell Down, Dorset | © National Trust/Clive Whitbourn
Stage 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
You made it
Share your experience

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.

View of Hod Hill, Dorset, and the surrounding countryside

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.

A brown, orange and cream patterned male Marsh Fritillary butterfly

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. Follow the pink way markers from visitor reception for this livestock free walk.