Fontmell and Melbury Downs in Dorset, England - July 2011

One of the most serene places I have visited on my trip in Dorset. I came up half an hour before sunset. Birds such as Chiffchaff and Song Thrush were singing. I wish I came earlier but maybe the place looked its best before sunset as the last of the sun' rays added a golden touch to the green grass.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-fontmellmelburydowns

Fontmell and Melbury Downs
North West Dorset, just south of Shaftesbury

Open expanses of flowery downland, excellent butterfly populations and breathtaking views

Don't miss
Bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set
Chalk grassland and scrub habitats with many orchids, including Early Purple, Frog and Bee orchid
Great location for butterflies, moths and glow-worms

Fontmell Down and Harding's Down

Savour the stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale and explore the many circular walks that start from the car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill. During the summer months it is a fantastic place to spot butterflies and plants which thrive on the chalk downland. ST886186

Compton Down and Melbury Hill South

Here you will find one of the best displays of glow-worms during June and July, if the weather is good. It also attracts a wealth of butterflies such as Chalkhill Blue, Adonis Blue and Meadow Brown. Melbury Hill marks the high point of a spur, offering sweeping views across much of the downs. ST879192

Melbury Beacon

At 863 feet above sea level, there are wonderful views to the north of the Saxon town of Shaftesbury and across to the surrounding counties. ST873197

Melbury Down

This stunning meandering dry valley cuts the ridge of Cranborne Chase, which straddles the counties of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. The fine chalk grassland is interrupted by a narrow band of flint scree, which unusually supports acid-loving heathers. ST892190

Win Green

The highest point in Cranborne Chase with fine views of rolling downland in all directions. Crowned by a clump of trees growing on a Bronze Age bowl barrow (a mound of earth and stones covering a grave) Win Green forms a prominent landmark. ST922204

Get in touch
Wiltshire Countryside Office
West Kennett Farm
West Kennett
Wiltshire SN8 1QF

01672 539167 (General enquiries)

Email: wiltshirecountryside@nationaltrust.org.uk

Facilities

WCs
WCs (Not NT) for customers of the Compton Abbas Airfield restaurant

Dogs
Dogs welcome under close control, as livestock graze the downs. Please dispose of dog mess responsibly.

Picnic areas
There are some great places to enjoy a picnic, but please help us to keep this area special by taking your rubbish home with you.

Eating and shopping
Restaurant at Compton Abbas Airfield (not NT).

Public houses
There is a pub in the nearby village of Fontmell Magna.

Learning
We are able to provide a limited number of guided walks with the warden throughout the year for groups. Please contact us for more information.

Getting there

By foot
A series of bridleways and footpaths lead onto the downs from the local villages of Melbury Abbas, Compton Abbas and Fontmell Magna

By bike
The North Dorset Cycleway (National Cycle Network Regional Route 41) is a 73 mile route along quiet country lanes and villages. It passes through Shaftesbury and runs just south of the estate, through the village of Fontmell Magna.

By bus
From Shaftesbury take the Wilts & Dorset service 182, Monday-Saturday, stopping at Compton Abbas and Fontmell Magna.

See Transport Direct for more travel information.

By train
Gillingham 9 miles from Fontmell car park.

By road
From Shaftesbury head south on B3081 and follow signs to Melbury Abbas. There is a car park on the right at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, just before the left turn to Compton Abbas Airfield.

Ordnance Survey maps
Explorer 118
Landranger 183

Access

Mobility information

Parking
The small car parking area at Spread Eagle Hill provides level access onto the downs. From here there are beautiful views over Compton Abbas and beyond.

WC
Accessible WCs are available for customers of the Compton Abbas Airfield restaurant.

Pathways and open space
The downs comprise of open grassland with some well-used routes. There are areas of steep sloping downland, which will become muddy and slippery after wet weather.

All-ability trails
At Win Green a route leading to the topograph and trig point is accessible along flat grassland. Fontmell Down has a circular route along fairly level grassy paths, starting from the car park. Both of these routes are accessible for most wheelchair users and pushchairs.

Seating, rest points and shelter
There are benches at Win Green.

Sensory highlights

Glow worms are plentiful in summer; the best time to spot them is at night when the female glow worms light up to attract the males.

Taken in: United Kingdom / England / Compton Abbas (show map)

Taken on: January 4, 2011

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Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S2950, f/3.1, 1/160 sec, 5mm, ISO 64 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix S2950
Aperture:	f/3.1
Exposure Time:	0.006 sec (1/160)
Focal Length:	5mm
ISO:	64
Exposure Bias:	-1.2 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Landscape
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Scene Capture Type:	Landscape
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Digital Camera FinePix S2950 Ver1.00
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