Lewesdon Hill

Perhaps the most beautiful and mysterious of all 3 climbs, Lewesdon hill is the highest point in Dorset at 279 meters, just 2 meters higher than Pilsdon. Whilst the use of Lewesdon Hill as an iron age fort is still disputed, the existing evidence has been obscured over the years by gravel and timber removal. The top of the hill was the site of one of the many Armada beacons in 1588 which were distributed on the high peaks across the South of England to warn of the impending attack by the Spanish fleet. Interestingly Lewesdon was also the site of a Spitfire crash during WWII, a memorial for which you’ll find on your way up. This walk is the hardest of all 3 hills and whilst only 2.5KM up and down there are some steep sections and it can be muddy! 

1. Parking is a bit tricky here but there is normally room to park on the junction of Coombe Lane and the B3162, here's the google location: Lewesdon Hill Parking. Coombe Lane is a private road with no vehicular access, you can walk up it but you can’t drive up so please make sure not to block the entrance.

2. Firstly you’ll be walking up Coombe Lane, this is a private road but a public bridleway, the road slopes gently upwards with high hedges on each side. You’ll be walking for about 300 meters until you reach the wooded area on your right and a gate with a sign to the foothpath up the hill. Go through the gate here making sure you close it behind you!

3. After a few meters the path splits, you’ll need to talk the path to the left up the hill. The first hundred meters or so is pretty steep and the path is a bit broken so be careful!

4. The path up to the top of the hill is easy to follow. The ancient trees frame the path and look like something out of a fantasy movie. Successive generations of kids have built various dens from fallen branches and you’ll get wonderful glimpses of the surrounding countryside on both sides. The final push to the top is the steepest section.

5. As you emerge on to the top it’s clear of trees but they surround the hill with steep sides all around. You’ll be facing roughly a north westerly direction and looking behind you though the trees you’ll be able to see the sea to the South. It’s wonderful to walk around the top of the hill, it feels remote and isolated and it’s easy to imagine that this location was a refuge for the inhabitants of the area in ancient times. People have built rope swings over the years which swing out over the steep hill but be advised that these are not maintained and are likely not safe!

6. Once you’ve enjoyed the walk around the top, make your way back down the hill the way you came up and be careful of your footing particularly in wet weather or after it’s rained!