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Pilsdon Pen
One of Dorset's prominent landmarks, dominated by an Iron Age hill fort
Nr Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Dorset
Opening times for 2 December 2023
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Lay-by at bottom of hill fort, OS SY414009 (Not National Trust)
Dogs
Dogs welcome on leads
No parking on site. Dogs on leads welcome. Steep climb to the top from the lay-by. On and around the fort there are some steps and steep inclines. Grassy, well maintained paths.
Steps/uneven terrain
Steep climb to the top from the lay-by. On and around the fort there are some steps and steep inclines. Grassy, well maintained paths
By road
Three miles (5km) south-west of Broadwindsor on B3164
Parking: Lay-by at bottom of hill fort (SY414009)
On foot
Pilsdon Pen is on the route of three long distance walking trails: The Wessex Ridgeway, Monarch's Way and The Jubilee Trail. From the bus stop in Broadwindsor use the Monarch's Way to ascend Pilsdon Pen. Alternatively, combine Pilsdon Pen and Lewesdon Hill using the Wessex Ridgeway and Monarch's Way in a circular walk from Broadwindsor.
By train
There are no suitable train stations for accessing Pilsdon Pen.
By bus
From Bridport, take the Damory Coaches bus route 40 and alight at Broadwindsor. See 'On Foot' for onward directions.
Highlights
Hillfort
One of Dorset's prominent landmarks, dominated by an Iron Age hillfort. There's a long history at Pilsdon Pen including two Bronze Age burial mounds and remains of roundhouses and pillow mounds.
Places to stay
Shedbush Farm House
A thatched farm house with a cosy country interior and acres of surrounding land to explore.
The Old Radar Station
Stay on England’s spectacular natural World Heritage Site, The Golden Cap, in this restored radar station.
About Pilsdon Pen
Pilsdon has a long history of occupation. Flint tools over 10,000 years old and two Bronze Age burial mounds are evidence that the site was in use long before the hill fort was built.
Like the other hill forts in Dorset, Pilsdon was abandoned after the Roman conquest, after which it's thought that it was used for rough grazing, much as it is today.
You can now enjoy this hill fort not just for its archaeology, but also for its wide range of walks and far-reaching views. On a clear day you can see Marshwood Vale, Golden Cap and the sea to the south, the Hardy Monument, to the east, Exmoor and the Quantocks to the west and the Polsden and Mendip hills to the north.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Pilsdon Pen.