Delve down into the deep valley of Fishpond Bottom, exploring that last corner of Dorset to emerge from the anciently wild landscape. From the peak of Lambert’s Castle, cross the ridge to skim the Iron Age ramparts of Coney’s Castle. Drop down the steep slopes to the boggy rivers that once fed the medieval monks of Abbotsbury abbey. Discover old holloways, banked by tall beech trees, to discover a possible Roman road hidden in the forest.
Distance: 2.5miles/4km
Time: 1 hour
Ability: Medium – steep climbs and can get boggy.
Max height: 834ft
Min height: 341ft
Total climb: 500ft
Start Point: Lambert’s Castle. (Postcode: EX13 5UW, Grid Reference: SY365987, What Three Words: modern.space.talkative).
Terrain: Roads, tracks, paths and fields. (can get very wet, with fords to cross and a river sharing the track).
Map: OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis and Bridport
How to get there: From Lyme Regis head north to the A35 where you meet the Devon border. Turn onto the B3165 to follow the county boundary north east for just over 2 miles. Veer off the main road onto a track signposted for Lambert’s Castle to find parking 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.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are The Shave Cross Inn at Shave Cross, The George Inn in Chideock and The George in Charmouth. There is also the Bottle Inn in Marshwood (hopefully about to reopen soon)
Neighbouring Walks: Lambert’s Castle, Thorncombe, Bettiscombe, Morcombelake, Wootton Fitzpaine and Charmouth Forest.
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