Pilsdon Pen is Dorset’s second-highest hill at 277 meters (909 feet), crowned by an impressive Iron Age hill fort and offering breathtaking panoramic views across Dorset, Devon, and Somerset. This dramatic hilltop features massive defensive earthwork ramparts enclosing approximately 7 acres, built by Iron Age tribes around 2,500 years ago. The summit provides spectacular 360-degree views stretching to Dartmoor, the Quantock Hills, Glastonbury Tor, and across the Marshwood Vale. The exposed hilltop location offers exhilarating winds and big skies that create an unforgettable sense of space and freedom. Walking the ramparts reveals the engineering sophistication of our Iron Age ancestors. The hill is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its chalk grassland supporting rare wildflowers and butterflies. Access is via footpaths across farmland, with the climb rewarded by truly spectacular vistas. Pilsdon Pen epitomizes Dorset’s ancient heritage, natural beauty, and dramatic landscapes. Best visited on clear days for maximum visibility.
Photo by Max from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Pilsdon Pen
Location
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Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
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