The 6 Most Amazing Peaks around West Crewkerne

From the trig point at Pilsdon Pen summit, you get spectacular, wide-open views across Dorset. Looking south, the eye sweeps over the lush farmlands and rolling hills of the Marshwood Vale, extending all the way down to Bridport and the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.

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.

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.

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

St Michael's Hill is situated approximately 10-15 minute walk from the road going through Montacute village… There is a tower upon it, which you can access, and climb the spiral stairs to look out across southern Somerset. Worth a visit for the view, even if only once…

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.

Pilsdon Pen affords fine views over the rolling Dorset countryside. In clear conditions, you can see Golden Cap, Marshwood Vale, and the ocean to the south, Exmoor and the Quantocks to the west, the Hardy Monument to the east, and the Polesden and Mendip hills to the north. Atop the hill is an Iron Age fort and archaeologists have found flint tools here that date back 10,000 years. The hill is in the care of the National Trust. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/pilsdon-pen.