8. Hill Forts on Hod and Hambledon

Starting from the village of Hanford, nine miles south of Shaftesbury, each fort can be taken as a separate walk. Each contains a steep climb.

Take the A350 Blandford road out of Shaftesbury- approximately two miles (and several sharp bends!) after Iwerne Minster turn right on the road signposted to Hanford and Child Okeford. After about one third of a mile you will pass a red brick cottage on your right set back and partly hidden by a row of trees. Shortly afterwards park in a small marked out parking area on the left at the entrance to the woods.

HOD HILL

Walk - approximately 2 ½ miles

This is owned by the National Trust, and has not been disturbed by modern farming methods. The Iron Age (555 B.C.) hill fort is the largest in Dorset, with complex defences, and excavations have revealed indications of roads and streets, and evidence of about two hundred and fifty circular huts. It was stormed by the Roman Second Legion, and is the only pre-historic fort in Britain to have accommodated a permanent Roman garrison. (circa 44-50 A.D )

The walk can be muddy in places but there is much to delight the naturalist as the area is rich in wild flowers butterflies and birds. The hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and part of it is now leased to the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Going into the wood from the road take the left hand track steeply uphill to a gate with a signpost 'Bridleway to Hod Hill'.

Go through the gate and walk ahead to the top of the hill, keeping to the pathway near the edge of the wood on your right. Cross the National Trust stile at the side of the wood.

Go straight ahead on the track which takes you through the ramparts of the hill fort into the area later used by the Romans and carry straight on. There are spectacular views across Cranborne Chase and the Blackmore Vale.

Continue until you reach a gap in the ramparts on the far side. Go through this, and follow the track down a stile.

Cross the stile and follow the track, which runs downhill passing some badger setts and later goes alongside the little River Iwerne. The track becomes a narrow roadway (Manor Road) as you approach the village.

At the road junction carry straight on into Stourpaine village and then take the first right along a road called Havelins.

At a junction of paths, by a small bridge, turn right into Hod Drive (signposted 'Bridleway to Hanford') which soon leads into an old double-hedged track. After a time you will have a clear view on your right of the southern ramparts of the fort.

The track eventually descends through trees and goes alongside the River Stour for some distance. It then bears away from the river bank and goes to the road and starting place of the walk.

HAMBLEDON HILL

Walk - approximately 2 ½ miles

This is privately owned land but public footpaths enable you to visit the fort, returning by the same route.

Face the road and turn right. Walk up the road a short distance to the first driveway on your left.

Go through the field gate to the right of this, (there is a Bridleway sign), and follow the track up the hill turning left beyond the barn at the top.

Continue on this track, passing through a metal field gate and with a wood on your right, until you reach a stile and gate.

Go through the gate and follow the path which runs between two fences; pass a triangulation pillar and go through another gate at the end. There is a good view to your right of Duncliffe Hill, Shaftesbury and MeIbury Beacon.

Carry straight on through the ramparts, and where the track forks downhill to the right, turn left into the fort and wander at will.

After enjoying the view, retrace your steps back to your car. As you come down towards the barn you have a good view on your right of Hod Hill and its ramparts.

Map 8. Hill Forts on Hod and Hambledon