Abbotsbury - Hardy Monument - Portesham - Abbotsbury

Brian and Anne Sandland

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The outward leg of this walk is at high level and thus commands excellent views for most of the way. The monument on Blackdown was built in memory of Hardy, the sailor colleague who was with Nelson at his death after the Battle of Trafalgar and not the novelist. Owned by the National Trust, you can climb to the top for a pound. The views from there are truly outstanding! Even if you do not climb the tower you will certainly not be disappointed by the views from all around its base. Rear Admiral Hardy's home was in Portesham and you pass the site of it on the return leg. The final stretch is along a former railway track which is lined with incredibly beautiful ferns at numerous points. You also have an opportunity to view the grand Tithe Barn at Abbotsbury.

England - South West England - Dorset - Coast

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Castle, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Museum, National Trust, Play Area, Pub, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

12/31/2005 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk on 24 December 2005. This is a beautiful walk - not too strenuous but stretching enough to raise the heart rate. Wonderful views from the high parts and a nice variety of habitats for different birds and wildlife. The last stretch, along the first part of the old railway line, is extremely muddy - calf depth liquid mud and there is no obvious way to pass it other than through it. The rest of the walk makes this inconvenience worthwhile though.