Hills and Views 4 - Stonebarrow (SY412930)

Lofty Stonebarrow Hill was originally part of the coaching route between Bridport and Charmouth; abandoned because of the impracticably steep ascents and descents.

 Today it is still popular with horse riders, the odd jogger and dogs walking their owners. The area is part of the National Trust's Golden Cap estate and as their car park is sited at the top of the hill, you get the view without the struggle...except the struggle for change...even here you have to pay parking charges..

To the right in the blue distance is Lyme to the left rises Golden Cap, Dorset's highest coastal point; while at your feet wind acres of paths and a million picnic spots. In Autumn you'll find blackberries in abundance.

Dorset Doggie Tails

Dog drops in hand, poo bags at the ready...quick march!

A small selection of Dorset's early morning dog walkers for your delectation.

Hills and views 3-Pilsdon Pen SY414009

View across redundant trig point.

Braving hail, wind and then sunshine we scrambled to the top of Pilsdon Pen for a flask of tea and a breathtaking 360 degree view. The hill, the highest point in Dorset, hosted yet another Iron Age high rise until eviction by the Romans.

Ordnance Survey trig point silhouetted against the approaching hail storm

Its hummocky summit is just a short walk from the road and bears witness to various degrees of occupation: Bronze Age burial mounds, the remains of a medieval rabbit warren, and silhouetted against the skyline, another poignant relic, an Ordnance Survey trig point now consigned to history by the arrival of gps.

Needless to say, it's another satisfying location for kite flyers, dog walkers and the odd jogger.

There is a God!! The sun puts his hat on!

Hills and views 2- Lamberts Castle

A break in the weather and an early start saw us blowing the cobwebs away on Lamberts Castle. 
It is an Iron Age fort, as are most of Dorset's high points and until quite recent times, the site of a yearly fair. It is a favourite with dog walkers, horse riders, kite flyers and of course, us. 

The hill divides into two completely different environments. On one side paths run through a woodland of fantastically gnarled trees whose cover of moss makes them glow a vibrant green in the morning sunlight. A great place for chasing hobbits into hollow trunks, white rabbits down holes and for kids to have proper, rather than digital fun.

The other side is wide-open hillside with birdseye views that encompass most of Dorset. There are even seats from which to enjoy them. A perfect place for feeding your sandwiches to the passing mutts.