Badbury Rings Iron Age hillfort
Badbury Rings Iron Age hillfort
Highlight • Viewpoint
Badbury Rings Iron Age hillfort
Hiking
4.9
(41)
Mountain biking
5.0
(3)
Running
5.0
(2)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape
Tips
July 19, 2024
Hiking
October 15, 2023
Running
Today, you can run the earthworks and around the edge, it's fun and fascinating.
The National Trust own and manage the site but it's open access to all.
February 23, 2021
Hiking
Owned by the National Trust, this fort is free to explore and offers wonderful views of the surroundings.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Badbury Rings Iron Age hillfort
4.0
(2)
27
hikers
12.9km
03:22
90m
90m
Embark on the moderate Badbury Rings, White Mill & Shapwick loop, a 8.0-mile (12.9 km) hike through the picturesque Dorset countryside. This route, taking about 3 hours and 21 minutes with 293 feet (89 metres) of elevation gain, offers a diverse experience. You will find undulating grass and gravel tracks around the historic Badbury Rings, giving way to flatter sections along the River Stour near White Mill and Shapwick. Enjoy sweeping views from the Iron Age hill fort and wander through an avenue of ancient beech trees, particularly stunning in autumn. The trail also meanders through water meadows, providing opportunities to spot diverse bird life. You will pass through the charming village of Shapwick, adding a touch of local life to your journey.
Plan your visit to this loop for spring to see bluebells and blackthorn blossom, or autumn for vibrant berries and the beautiful beech tree avenue. While much of the trail is on grass and gravel tracks, be aware that paths near the River Stour can sometimes flood, and river banks may be slippery, especially after rain. You will also encounter squeeze stiles along the route. The Badbury Rings site is part of the National Trust's Kingston Lacy Estate, which manages these historic areas. Consider checking local conditions before you set out.
This trail is nestled within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, an area celebrated for its rolling grassland and mixed woodlands. The highlight is Badbury Rings, a magnificent Iron Age hill fort with three concentric rings, dating back as early as 500 BC. Evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman occupation has been found here, with Roman roads passing nearby. You will also visit White Mill, an 18th-century corn mill on the River Stour, where original machinery still stands.
3.0
(1)
9
hikers
12.1km
03:10
90m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
7
hikers
18.1km
04:46
170m
170m
Hike a moderate 11.2-mile section of The Hardy Way through Cranborne Chase, featuring Badbury Rings and diverse landscapes.
Details
Informations
Elevation 100 m
Weather
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Monday 8 June
17°C
7°C
32 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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