Close up of poppies against green grassland at Fontmell Downs — Wildflowers and butterflies thrive here | © National Trust Images/ David Noton

Dorset

Fontmell Down walk

Fontmell Down was bought in memory of English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, to protect the natural landscape in which his novels of the Blackmore Vale are set. On this short circular walk you will discover the wildlife of the cross dyke (wall and ditch) and chalk downland, an open expanse of flowery downland, excellent butterfly populations and far-reaching views.

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Total steps: 4

Start point

Car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, Compton Abbas, Dorset SP7 0DT. Grid ref: ST886187

Step 1

From the car park walk straight out across Fontmell Down.

Grass-covered bank and ditch, known as a cross dyke, on Clubmen's Down, Fontmell Down, with trees on the hilltop at the horizon — Cross dykes on Clubmen's Down | © National Trust/Clive Whitbourn

Step 2

Cross over the cross dyke (a bank and ditch).

Ancient earthworks

Towards the southernmost end of this down is an impressive bank and ditch. Dating from between 2000 and 500BC, this late Iron Age/early Bronze Age cross dyke was most likely a territorial boundary marker, though cross dykes may have been used as trackways, cattle droves or defensive earthworks. Many of the other earthworks visible on top of the down are much more recent – the area was a golf course in the 1930s.

Step 3

Once over the dyke, turn left and walk through the gate. Head left, back up the down, in a direction towards the main Shaftesbury/ Blandford road.

Chalk downland wildlife

The southern slopes just to the south of this walking route are especially rich in plant and insect life. The tiny starry white flowers of bastard toadflax and the delicately speckled silver spotted skipper butterfly are two rare highlights. The high downs are not quite so rich in wildlife but keep an eye out for marbled white and dark green fritillary butterflies buffeting by on the breezes.

Close-up of the yellow, bell-shaped flowers of a cowslip, with grassy hills in the background, at Fontmell Down, Dorset — A cowslip in flower at Fontmell Down, Dorset | © National Trust/Clive Whitbourn

Step 4

You will come to a small wooden gate on your left. Go through the pedestrian gate and follow the path along the road, which will bring you back to the car park.

End point

Car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, Compton Abbas, Dorset SP7 0DT. Grid ref: ST886187

Trail map

Route map for the Fontmell Down walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Fontmell Down walk

Total steps: 4