Fontmell Downs, Compton Abbas and Melbury Hill

From the peak of Clubman’s Down, wander across the ancient, earthwork littered landscape to the meeting spot of countryside rebels, armed with scythes and pitchforks. Explore Compton Abbas village and the last remains of its old Church tower. Climb Melbury Beacon, one of the highest points in Dorset, providing views across Shaftesbury to the north, the Purbeck Hills to the south, Cranborne Chase to the east and the Blackmore Vale to the west.

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 2 hours
Total climb: 570ft
Max height: 860ft
Min height: 330ft
Terrain: Track, path, road and field.
Exertion: Hard, some steep climbs.
Start: Spread Eagle Hill car park (Postcode: SP5 5AA, Grid Reference: ST886187, What Three Words: falls.escaping.hospitals).
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase
How to get there: Travelling from Blandford on the top Shaftesbury road (Shaftesbury Lane), pass the turning to Ashmore and the car park is around the next corner on the left hand side.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code. When on National trust land, keep dogs on leads, due to the sensitivity of the wildlife including ground nesting birds.
Refreshments: None on route but there is a nearby café at Compton Abbas airfield, just south east of the starting point.