Hod Hill

Hod Hill is Dorset's largest hillfort, carved out of chalk downland above a meander of the River Stour near Stourpaine. Its Iron Age ramparts, raised some 2,400 years ago, would have enclosed around 250 roundhouses, and within them lies one of the best preserved Roman forts in the UK, built after the legions captured the hill in AD 44 and defended by 600 foot soldiers and 200 cavalry. Five entrances pierce the defences: two Iron Age, two Roman and one medieval. The thin chalk soils carry orchids and cowslips, drawing marsh fritillary, Adonis blue and marbled white butterflies. The Trust's Hod Hill circular walk and butterfly walk, each about a mile, start from the small free car park on Hanford Lane. Dogs are welcome under close control, and a short lead is essential around the grazing sheep. Reviewers praise the earthworks and the views in every direction. Tips from visitors: the climb from the car park is steep and muddy after rain, and the gentler but longer approach starts in Stourpaine, where parking is on the street.