Hambledon Hill is hailed as one of the best-preserved Iron Age hill forts in Britain and is one of the most iconic Neolithic landscapes in Europe. Towering 623 feet (190 m) above the Blackmore Vale and the River Stour, you are afforded breathtaking views which stretch into the neighbouring counties of Wiltshire and Somerset. The site, which is managed by the National Trust, is also considered one of the best examples of an unimproved calcareous grassland in England and is home to many rare plant and animal species. For more information, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/hambledon-hill.

MCW73

July 6, 2024

Hiking

The hill is now a National Nature Reserve (NNR) with common plants including milkwort, salad burnet, horseshoe vetch, squinancywort, pyramidal orchid and wild thyme. Rarer species include bastard toadflax, meadow saxifrage, early gentian and dwarf sedge. Butterflies include dingy skipper, grizzled skipper, chalkhill blue and Adonis blue.

In August 2014, Hambledon Hill fort was acquired by the National Trust for £450,000. The money to buy the hill had come from a Natural England grant and a legacy gift left to benefit Dorset countryside. The hillfort is a Scheduled Monument, as is the adjacent Neolithic causewayed camp.

mikejwheatley

May 31, 2022

Hiking

Amazing views over the Stour and Lwerne valleys, as well as Blackmore Vale and the Fontmell & Melbury Downs. Well worth a hike and picnic on a sunny day. You can even ride your bike up when dry.

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Best routes to Hambledon Hill Iron Age hill fort

4.8

(11)

hikers

1. Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill Circular

9.65km

02:50

280m

270m

Hike the moderate 6.0-mile Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill Circular, exploring ancient hillforts and enjoying panoramic Dorset views.

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Moderate

5.0

(2)

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2. Hambledon and Hod Hills — National Trust

6.64km

01:57

190m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

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3. Hambledon Hill ramparts — National Trust North and West Dorset

2.49km

00:44

60m

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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Informations

Elevation 170 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 1 March

13°C

7°C

23 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Child Okeford, North Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Hod Hill Entrance

Melbury Beacon

Fontmell Down

Blandford Railway Arches and Footbridge

View of Castle Hill

View of Hod Hill

Hambledon Hill Trig Point

Mill Lane Bridge

Sturminster Newton Castle

Hambledon Hill Iron Age hill fort

1. Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill Circular

2. Hambledon and Hod Hills — National Trust

3. Hambledon Hill ramparts — National Trust North and West Dorset

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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