Best mountain peaks around Broadwindsor are characterized by prominent hills rather than traditional mountains, offering significant elevation and historical interest. The area features the two highest points in Dorset, Lewesdon Hill and Pilsdon Pen, both sites of Iron Age hillforts. These locations provide extensive views of the surrounding countryside and are popular for walking routes near Broadwindsor. The region's natural landscape combines historical significance with opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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The highest point on the south coast of England. quite the lung opener and leg burner to reach. well worth it with the views though. Just be careful near the cliff edge. Constantly eroding away.
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Quite the climb up, regardless of which side you choose. Experts now believe people lived on Doghouse Hill on the Golden Cap estate up to 10,000 years ago. Finds included a stone hearth, fire pit and pot shards from Bronze Age periods (2,500 to 1,000BC) and others from the Mesolithic Age (10,000 to 4,000BC) Martin Papworth, from the National Trust, said: "Although it's a stunning coastal site now, 6,000 to 8,000 years ago this area would have been over a mile inland. To find ancient pottery decorated with fingernail impressions and touch them with one's own hand, that's real contact with the past Martin Papworth, National Trust "The Mesolithic people who lived on top of Doghouse hill would have pre-dated farming, so would have been hunter-gatherers using these flints to work hides, cut meat and scrape fat from animal skins. "After millennia of erosion, it's at risk of disappearing into the sea itself."
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The watering well. Man made well with rocks and piping, I imagine that this is a watering spot for the wildlife in the area. mainly deer. clear and clean water.
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Thorncombe Beacon is a hill between Bridport and Charmouth in Dorset, England. It lies about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) west of Eype Mouth and 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) east of Seatown. It is in the south-west part of Symondsbury parish close to the parish of Chideock. It is 157 metres (515 ft) high, compared to 191 metres (627 ft) for Golden Cap which lies about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) to the west. It forms part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site and the South West Coast Path and the Monarch's Way skirt the hilltop. The hill is owned by the National Trust. Three bowl barrows to the north-east of the summit constitute a scheduled monument. In 1588, a chain of beacons was built along the south coast to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada, which had been sighted off Plymouth, and Thorncombe Beacon was one of these.
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3 little things to see on this section. A Smugglers song by Rudyard Kipling IF you wake at midnight, and hear a horse's feet, Don't go drawing back the blind, or looking in the street, Them that ask no questions isn't told a lie. Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by. Five and twenty ponies, Trotting through the dark - Brandy for the Parson, 'Baccy for the Clerk. Laces for a lady; letters for a spy, Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by! Running round the woodlump if you chance to find Little barrels, roped and tarred, all full of brandy-wine, Don't you shout to come and look, nor use 'em for your play. Put the brishwood back again - and they'll be gone next day ! If you see the stable-door setting open wide; If you see a tired horse lying down inside; If your mother mends a coat cut about and tore; If the lining's wet and warm - don't you ask no more ! If you meet King George's men, dressed in blue and red, You be careful what you say, and mindful what is said. If they call you " pretty maid," and chuck you 'neath the chin, Don't you tell where no one is, nor yet where no one's been ! Knocks and footsteps round the house - whistles after dark - You've no call for running out till the house-dogs bark. Trusty's here, and Pincher's here, and see how dumb they lie They don't fret to follow when the Gentlemen go by ! 'If You do as you've been told, 'likely there's a chance, You'll be give a dainty doll, all the way from France, With a cap of Valenciennes, and a velvet hood - A present from the Gentlemen, along 'o being good ! Five and twenty ponies, Trotting through the dark - Brandy for the Parson, 'Baccy for the Clerk. Them that asks no questions isn't told a lie - Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by !
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The highest point on England's south coast, the views are well worth the climb to the top
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The summit of this hill represents the second highest point in Dorset, and from here, you'll have breathtaking panoramic views. At the top, there was an Iron Age hillfort, which was excavated in the mid-20th century.
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The Broadwindsor area is known for its significant hills rather than traditional mountains. Key highlights include Golden Cap Summit, the highest point on the South Coast, and Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point, the second highest point in Dorset. Lewesdon Hill, the highest point in Dorset, is also a must-visit, offering extensive views and historical significance.
For breathtaking panoramic views, you should visit Lewesdon Hill, which offers vistas across Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and out to sea. Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point also provides extensive views over the rolling Dorset countryside. Additionally, Golden Cap Summit boasts stunning views over Lyme Bay to Dartmoor and the Isle of Portland.
Many peaks in the area have rich historical significance. Both Lewesdon Hill and Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point are sites of Iron Age hillforts. Doghouse Hill is believed to have been settled as far back as the Mesolithic period. Thorncombe Beacon is a historical site that was part of a chain of beacons in 1588 to warn of the Spanish Armada.
Yes, many of the paths around Lewesdon Hill are accessible and suitable for various fitness levels, making it a good option for families. The area generally offers a mix of easy and intermediate trails. For specific easy hikes, you can explore routes like the Pilsdon Pen loop hike or the Lewesdon Hill loop from Broadwindsor.
The peaks around Broadwindsor offer beauty throughout the year. Spring is particularly enchanting on Lewesdon Hill when the woodlands erupt with bluebells. Autumn showcases golden leaves and fungi, providing a different kind of natural beauty. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking, while summer provides longer daylight hours.
The natural landscapes around Broadwindsor's peaks are home to various wildlife. On Colmer's Hill, with a little luck, you might spot rabbits, deer, and buzzards. Thorncombe Beacon also features a watering well, which is likely used by local wildlife, mainly deer.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails that lead to and around these peaks. For example, a 6.8-mile loop from Broadwindsor allows you to conquer both Pilsdon Pen and Lewesdon Hill. You can find various easy hiking routes, including loops around Pilsdon Pen and Lewesdon Hill, starting from Broadwindsor.
Generally, dogs are welcome on public footpaths and trails in the Broadwindsor area. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to follow the Countryside Code. Specific rules may apply to certain National Trust properties, so check local signage.
Besides hiking to the peaks, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hikes, as well as cycling routes and road cycling routes that explore the scenic countryside and offer views of the prominent hills.
While specific parking details for every peak are not listed, many walks, especially those starting from Broadwindsor village, will have designated parking areas or roadside parking options. For popular sites like Lewesdon Hill and Pilsdon Pen, which are cared for by the National Trust, there are often small car parks available nearby. Always check local information or trailheads for the most accurate parking details.
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from summits like Golden Cap Summit and Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point, often noting that the effort to reach them is well worth it. The historical significance of the Iron Age hillforts and the natural beauty, such as the bluebells on Lewesdon Hill, are also highly appreciated.
Yes, the area boasts several unique natural features. Lewesdon Hill is renowned for its woodlands that burst with bluebells in spring and display golden leaves in autumn. Colmer's Hill is distinctive for its conical shape and the pine trees on its otherwise bare summit. Thorncombe Beacon features a man-made watering well, providing a unique spot for wildlife.


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