Eggardon Hill

Distance – 1 1/2 miles

Duration – 30mins-1 hour.

Exertion – Easy

Terrain – Path

Dogs – Be aware of livestock and keep to the countryside code.

Map – OS Explorer 117 – Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis

Start – Lay boys near Eggardon Hill (parking limited and roads narrow)

Refreshments – None on route

Eggerdon Hill is a large ancient hill fort. Its 252 meters above sea level and incredibly prominent in the landscape. Views spreading to the south, west and north. It is linked, clearly in the landscape by an obvious Roman road, to Maiden Castle, outside Dorchester, the largest hill fort in the county. It incorporates the busy A35 Exeter road. This strong link suggests, like Maiden Castle and Roman Dorchester (Dunovaria), that it must have been quite an important settlement. Although there have been no archeological investigations into the site at all. It is an amazing place to visit, even if you’re not interested in ancient earthworks. Plus it must be the only place in the world where you can drive along a rampart!

Park wherever is best to do so and make your way onto the hill fort via a gate. There is little to climb as the drive has done the most of it, so immediately you are hit with the views. Explore it in whatever way takes you. There is no strict route. But following the ramparts is probably the most adventurous!