Melbury Beacon walk, Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Climbs steadily through ancient woodland and open downland to Melbury Beacon's Iron Age hillfort, rewarding the effort with sweeping Blackmore Vale views. The ascent is moderate but sustained on chalk paths that can be slippery when wet, making it challenging for buggies and better suited to older children who can manage the incline. Dogs welcome on leads near grazing livestock. A compact National Trust walk combining history, wildlife-rich grassland, and some of Dorset's finest hilltop panorama