Eggardon Hill

Eggardon Hill is an iron age hillfort dating back over 2,500 years. At 825 feet above sea level, the hill offers some of the best views in Dorset and indeed some of the best from any hillfort in the country. It’s a great place for walking, seeing wildlife, flying kites and taking in the views over the countryside and coast.

The drive up to Eggardon Hill is an experience in itself, with the lane from the village of Askerswell, running up and along the ridge with great views in each direction. There are two bronze age barrows within the iron age fort, as well as more modern remains. The southern part is owned by the National Trust, which permits free public access, while the northern half is privately owned. Notorious smuggler Isaac Gulliver was said to have planted pine trees on Eggardon Hill to provide navigation for his ships as they approached the Dorset coast.

Dogs are welcome but please be aware of the livestock grazing. There is parking available on the roadside and it is a 200 to 300 metre walk to the hilltop and from there you can enjoy a circular walk. There are nice village pubs for refreshments within a few miles, with the Spyway Inn at Askerswell, the Marquis or Lorne at Netherbury and the Three Horseshoes Inn at Powerstock.