Washer's Pit - Fontmell Magna - Compton Abbas - Washer's Pit

Leonard Mills

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This walk boasts views across the Blackmore Vale. You walk via two Dorset Wildlife Trust's reserves, Fontmell Down and Collyer's Brook. Fontmell Down is a botanist's paradise of English wildflowers. Nine different types of orchid plus butterflies including the adonis blue, chalkhill blue and the silver spotted skipper have been seen here. Because of this, it is best to do this walk during the summer. Collyer's Brook is an excellent picnic site. I highly recommend the Compton Abbas Airfield Café; again the summer months are the best. Sit and drink inside or outside and watch the micro-lights and private aircraft. One warning: the airfield is at the top of a very big hill that you will have to climb.

England - South West England - Dorset - Countryside

Features

Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Wildlife, Woodland

14/10/2018 - Leonard Mills

WALK UPDATE: INSTRUCTION 13 'Pass through the metal gate and follow the right field edge north along a permissive route to the next metal gate.' I updated these instructions August 2018. Since then the 'permissive route' is now NO PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY. Sadly the foot stiles on the gate in picture 13 have been replace with barbed wire. The gate is locked. After studying the map for an alternative route, I regret to say that anyone doing the walk many have to cover section 13 along the verge of the main road. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

28/09/2013 - Paul and Tracy Dawson

Really enjoyable walk with some fantastic views. Good paths even after a bit of rain. An up hill trek a few miles from the end, but worth it for the views. Good directions.

22/03/2012 - Jill Larby