The 4 Most Amazing Peaks around Musbury

If you’ve hauled yourself up to the ramparts of Lambert’s Castle, congratulations! You are currently standing on an Iron Age "penthouse" with a view that makes most postcards look like blurry thumbprints. Looking south toward the coast, the landscape does a dramatic drop-and-roll toward the English Channel. Here is the lowdown on the two big celebrities you’re staring at: 1. Golden Cap: The Gilded Giant Dominating the horizon is Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast of England. The Look: It’s basically a massive, flat-topped wedge of rock that looks like nature tried to bake a giant loaf of bread and then gave it a glowing, golden crust. The Vibe: From Lambert’s Castle, you can see exactly why it got its name. When the sun hits that upper layer of Greensand, it glows like a pirate’s treasure chest. Fun Fact: At 191 meters (627 feet), if you were standing on top of it, you’d be higher than any other cliff-dweller in southern England. From up here on the hill, it looks like the ultimate finish line. 2. Thorncombe Beacon: The Dramatic Sidekick Just to the east of Golden Cap sits its slightly shorter, but equally moody sibling, Thorncombe Beacon. The Look: It’s got that classic "dinosaur spine" silhouette. It’s part of the same rollercoaster of cliffs that makes the Jurassic Coast look like it’s trying to jump into the sea. The Vibe: It feels a bit more "wild and windy." Historically, this was part of a chain of fire beacons used to warn everyone that the Spanish Armada was coming to ruin the weekend. The Perspective: From your vantage point, you can see the deep "V" of the Seatown valley tucked between the two peaks, looking like a perfect little green cradle.

Wootton Hill is the high point in an area of woodland within the Dorset AONB. It's a nice place for a walk with a series of well-maintained footpaths.

#NT Golden Cap is the highest point on the South Coast

Beautiful woodland! Take your rubbish and dog poo home to keep it that way. Thanks

This Iron Age hillfort is the smaller cousin of Lambert’s Castle, a little to the north. With ancient woodland and a fantastic spring bluebell display, Coney’s Castle is a peaceful little summit and one of numerous such hillforts in the area. Check out the earthwork ramparts on the north, south and east sides. The western edge used the natural slope of the hill as a defense. Managed by the National Trust, this hillfort is free to roam around and served by a car park. Its only downside is that there’s a road right through the middle of it.

Around 2,500-years-old, this Iron Age hillfort sits at the north end of the appropriately-named Lambert’s Castle Hill. You’ll find evidence of earthworks here and lovely views of the surrounding landscapes, particularly if you explore the entire hill. There’s a trig point to the south of the hillfort, at 840 feet (256 m). Lambert’s Castle is managed by the National Trust and is free to enter. There’s a car park to the south west and the Liberty Trail hiking path runs right through the middle of the fort.

An Iron Age hillfort, Musbury Castle occupies a very well chosen position. Standing on its summit, you’ll see the village of Musbury lying below with the Axe Valley flowing out beyond, all the way to Seaton. The English Channel glitters in the distance with Beer Head’s chalk cliffs on the horizon. This is one of the many fantastic viewpoints on the East Devon Way and can be reached easily from several directions on local footpaths.