Fontmell and Melbury Downs

Fontmell and Melbury Downs are open chalk downland on the edge of Cranborne Chase south of Shaftesbury, bought by the National Trust in memory of Thomas Hardy to protect the landscape of his novels. From the small car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill the views run for miles across the Blackmore Vale and the grassland is thick with orchids and butterflies; head north towards Compton Down in June or July for one of the best glow-worm displays around, or climb Melbury Beacon, 863 feet up, for views over Shaftesbury. Dogs are welcome under close control, on a short lead near livestock and ground-nesting birds, with a signed circular route where they can run off the lead. Two Trust trails start from the car park, the easy 1-mile Fontmell Down walk and the moderate 2.3-mile Melbury Beacon walk. Reviewers write of skylarks, hawthorn scent and cattle dung in equal measure, and note that the level hilltop loop suits those after views while the valley paths give a stiffer walk. Tips from visitors: the car park is free but small, the slopes turn slippery after rain, and the only refreshments are at the airfield cafe next door.