Hod Hill Circular Walk
Dorset
Hod Hill rises above a meander of the River Stour near Blandford Forum, its summit ringed by the ramparts of the largest Iron Age hillfort in Dorset, grazed by cattle in summer and sheep in winter, so a dog needs close control throughout. When the Romans invaded in AD 43, they stormed the fort and built their own smaller fort in one corner, using the earlier ramparts as part of its defences, and the outline of both is still clear on the ground. This 2.7km circuit from the small car park off Hod Drive climbs a short, steep slope to the ramparts, around 96 metres of ascent, then follows a level path around the fort before dropping back down. The wildflower rich grassland supports plenty of butterflies through summer, and the views stretch over the Stour valley and the surrounding Dorset countryside.
This is a dog friendly walk, and the National Trust welcomes dogs, but it is a lead walk rather than a free run. Cattle graze the hill in summer and sheep in winter, so dogs need close control throughout, particularly on the ramparts where livestock often grazes right up to the path. There is no water or shade on the exposed hilltop, so bring some for your dog on warm days. The climb is steep enough to test some dogs, though the ramparts themselves are level and easy once you are up. There are no facilities at the car park, and Blandford Forum has cafes and dog friendly pubs a short drive away.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.7 km (1.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 55 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None at the car park; cafes and pubs in Blandford Forum, a short drive away.
- Parking
- Small National Trust car park off Hod Drive, Stourpaine, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Hod Hill Circular Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in DorsetFrequently Asked Questions
Is Hod Hill Circular Walk dog friendly?
Yes, the National Trust welcomes dogs on this walk, and it has a dog friendly rating of 7 out of 10 on Wildpack Collective. It's a great spot for dogs who enjoy a short, energetic climb followed by a level stroll around the ramparts, with plenty of interesting smells and wildflower grassland to take in along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Hod Hill Circular Walk?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead throughout this walk. Cattle graze the hill in summer and sheep in winter, and livestock often grazes right up to the path along the ramparts, so close control is essential at all times.
What should I know before visiting Hod Hill Circular Walk with my dog?
The climb to the ramparts is short but steep — around 96 metres of ascent — which can be testing for some dogs, so it's worth bearing that in mind if yours is older or less fit. There is no water or shade on the exposed hilltop, so bring water for your dog on warm days, and note that there are no facilities at the car park itself. Blandford Forum is a short drive away if you're looking for a post-walk coffee or a dog friendly pub.
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