Eggardon Hill Fort Heritage

Eggardon Hill Fort has impressive 360 degree views across the County. The drive up to the fort is worth experiencing itself.

Eggardon Hill s an iron-age hillfort which, arguably, has one of the finest views of any hill-fort in the county. On a clear day from there you can see right across Lyme Bay to South Devon and Start Point.

Some complain that the problem with hillforts is that they are on hills! Eggardon Hill is minimum effort, maximum reward, and is best approached on the promontory from the east, having come along the line of the Roman Road.
There are two Bronze Age barrows within the Iron Age fort, as well as more modern remains. Field boundaries, and a huge octagonal feature run across the interior, but these are well disguised by taller grass, thistles and nettles in summer. The octagonal feature has been described as an arboretum, or coppice, and was also used to give navigational assistance to sea farers.

Two original entrances to the fort are on the south east, and north west sides. These are not inturned like many hillforts, but cut through the ramparts at a steep diagonal angle to offer greater defence. A fence runs straight through the middle of this fort which starts to spoil the effect but you can access the entirety, once you find that elusive gate to the second side.
Only the light changes on Eggardon, it is never quite the same as the patterns of sun and shadow drift across the landscape in an infinite variety of ways. It is a very impressive location, with a near 360 degrees panorama, and is worth a visit for the views alone.

Directions

From Dorchester take the main road west (A35) towards Bridport. At first the Bridport road follows the Roman road and is characteristically straight. After 5km the main road leaves the old route and drops down into the village of Winterbourne Abbas. The Roman road still exists as a minor road cutting across the downland towards the ancient landmark of Eggardon. Take this quiet road. After 5km the ramparts of the hill-fort are visible at a crossroads. Turn left here towards Askerwell and drive for 200m. Park in the lay-by on the left. Cross the road and take the footpath towards the southern ramparts.

Obviously, hillforts don't generally have postcodes but we have used the nearest one to locate the area on the map.

Additional Information

It is worth having a couple layers of clothes available when paying a visit; even on warm August days there can still be a fresh breeze up there. It is also possible for a thick fog to quickly appear here.

Eggardon holds a famous Kite Festival atop the magificent iron age hillfort on Sunday 16 September between 10am to 4.30pm

Adults £1.00 children 50p

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