Hambledon Hill — Local services in Child Okeford

Owned by the National Trust, the earliest archaeological evidence on Hambledon Hill comes from the Neolithic or New Stone Age, but the site is mostly associated with being an Iron Age hill fort. There are banks and ditches covering a large area, which makes for some interesting walking with great views of the surrounding Dorset countryside. The hill also has a historical link with the English Civil War, when locally there was a third force loyal to neither the crown or parliament. Called Clubmen, they wanted to protect their land and crops from foraging troops of both sides who would often take what they wanted. In August 1645, a couple thousand hostile Clubmen had camped on the hill. Cromwell at that time had a strong force in the area following the siege at Sherborne Castle. He ordered troops of his New Model Army to disperse the Clubmen, which they did easily. As you walk the hill, the banks, ditches and flat summit, it’s quite astonishing to imagine all the human activity that has taken place there. Please note though, only a lay-by is available for parking. It’s on the lane called ‘Duck Street’ going from Child Okeford. From there it’s a walk up the ancient trackway, leading to the entrance into the hill fort through the...

What an absolutely stunning trip, I adored every moment of this walk! We walked from Child Okeford up to the very top of Hambledon Hill at around 9:30am and what stunning views it had. Do have some walking shoes or wellies on standby as there were some paths that were both steep and muddy, with tamed horses that occasionally travelled these paths.

We did notice a bull sign however we did not see any bull around the area, just some horses in the distance. I would definitely recommend having a picnic at the top of Hambledon Hill as there were plenty of flat surfaces of grass in perfect...

A great walk - what an amazing place! A huge hill fortress with tremendous views across the landscape - bit steep and good walking boots recommended but well worth the effort when you get to the top! Limited parking in a small lay-by at the roadside - check the map so you take the right path but wow -...