Bincombe and Chalbury Hillfort

From the hidden village of Bincombe, climb high up the slopes on which it sits to panoramic views of the Jurassic Coastline, stretching from Lyme Regis to St Aldhelm’s Head. Pass a golf course that has carved its own way into history, helping to begin the craze of the Ryder Cup. Explore woodland and ruins along old medieval trackways amongst thick dark forest to numerous ancient earthworks, one with tales of fairies singing at noon. Follow the ridge, populated by the army in the late 18th century and run by Prince Frederick the Duke of York, possibly the inspiration behind the famous nursery rhyme of the Grand Old Duke marching his men up the hill. Skim the valley to Chalbury Hillfort, topped with Bronze Age barrows and surrounded by historic agricultural activity. Return though the natural landscape, which merges with the modern day life of Weymouth, to finish at the church where the graveyard hides a true, tragic tale of love and death, retold by Thomas Hardy in The Melancholy Hussar of the German Legion.

Distance:  5 miles/8 km

Duration: 2-3 hours

Ability: Medium, with a few big climbs.

Max Height: 470ft.

Min Height: 200ft.

Total climb: 590ft.

Terrain: Track, path road and field.

Map: OL Explorer 15 Purbeck and South Dorset.

Start Point: The Square, Bincombe. (Postcode: DT3 5PX, Grid Reference: SY685844, What Three Words: onto.custodial.itself).

How to Get There: Travel north out of Weymouth via the Weymouth relief road and turn right onto the A353. At the next roundabout, take the first exit, and then right at the next junction onto Icen Lane. Continue along the road and into Bincombe, The Square is on the right hand side, marked by a barn.

Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.

Refreshments: None on route but nearby are the Old Ship Inn in Upwey and The Springhead in Sutton Poyntz.

Neighbouring Walks: Upwey, Maiden Castle, West Stafford, Osmington Mills and Higher Moor Farm.