Dogbury Hillfort is relatively unknown. Hidden in the depths of North Dorset, buried under a forest of oak and beech, accessible only by those who know it is there; it is a little marvel. To approach the remote fort, the route takes you past an ancient park pale and the exceptional Minterne House gardens. The views include the Cerne valley and the Blackmore Vale. The one and only major climb on the route, proving to be well worth it.
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Total climb: 380ft.
Max height: 800ft.
Min height: 475 ft.
Terrain: Track, path, road and field.
Exertion: Medium.
Start: Layby/Pull-in off the top Sherborne to Dorchester road, near Buckland Newton (Postcode: DT2 7TW, Grid Reference: ST674045, What Three Words: obviously.friction.filed).
Map: OS Explorer 117 Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis
How to get there: From Sherborne, take the A352 to Dorchester. After passing through the village of Middlemarsh, take the road straight ahead rather than continuing on the main road around the corner. Drive on up the hill and after passing the turning to Buckland, on your left, the pull in will be on your right.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: None on route. Nearby are The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton and The Hunters Moon in Middlemarsh.
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