Melbury Hill and Fontmell Down Walk

Melbury Hill and Fontmell Down combine shaded woodland climbing with open chalk downland on the Dorset-Wiltshire border, creating one of the area's most rewarding inland walks. The 8km circuit climbs through beech woodland to the summit of Melbury Hill at 263 metres, with views across the Blackmore Vale, before crossing to Fontmell Down, a National Trust chalk grassland reserve rich with wildflowers and butterflies in summer. The contrast between the enclosed, mossy woodland and the breezy, open escarpment gives the walk two distinct characters. The chalk downland turf is springy and cropped short by grazing, with pyramidal orchids and horseshoe vetch among the specialities.

Off-lead potential on this dog friendly walk is limited, as livestock grazes both the downland and the lower fields throughout the year. Dogs should be kept on leads across the open sections where cattle and sheep are regularly present. The woodland sections are more sheltered and provide shade on warm days, with the beech leaf litter carrying rich, earthy scent. Water sources are scarce on the chalk, so carry a supply. The small National Trust car park at Fontmell Down provides access, and the Fontmell Magna village nearby has the Crown Inn which welcomes dogs. The views from the escarpment edge are particularly fine in autumn when the vale is misty.