Castle Hill is the site of a former medieval fortified house, also known as an "adulterine castle" or locally as Boltbury. These were private, unauthorised castles, and the one here is thought to have been built during the period of civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda (1135–1154).
There are no standing stone remains of a castle visible today. The fortification survives as an earthwork which is a Scheduled Monument. This includes a deep artificial ditch (up to 18 meters wide) which cuts off a steep promontory, turning the area into a triangular enclosure.

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Best routes to Shaftesbury Castle Hill

4.5

(8)

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1. Gold Hill, Shaftesbury – View of Castle Hill loop from Shaftesbury

5.76km

01:37

120m

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

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Easy

4.0

(6)

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2. Gold Hill, Shaftesbury – St Peter's Church, Shaftesbury loop from Motcombe

11.8km

03:12

170m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.7

(3)

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3. Win Green Summit – Gold Hill, Shaftesbury loop from Shaftesbury

23.8km

06:43

500m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 190 m

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Today

Monday 2 March

13°C

7°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Location: Shaftesbury, North Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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Shaftesbury Castle Hill

1. Gold Hill, Shaftesbury – View of Castle Hill loop from Shaftesbury

2. Gold Hill, Shaftesbury – St Peter's Church, Shaftesbury loop from Motcombe

3. Win Green Summit – Gold Hill, Shaftesbury loop from Shaftesbury

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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