Dan posted an update
11 months ago (edited)
Lewesdon Hill Dorset
Early April 2025
Lewesdon hill is the highest point in Dorset at 279 metres, I thought it would be a good place to check out.
The walk to the actual hill is less than a mile (1.6 km) from Broadwindsor, which is where I started. Komoot calls it an intermediate walk and it is uphill, but it is hardly a mountainous scramble. It can also be done in less than 30 minutes.
Only the very top of the hill is actually raised and it is flat and grassy at the top and surrounded by trees, which obscure the views from the top. There are gaps in the trees where is it visible to see surrounding hills and even the coast
The grassy flat area on the top is perfect for a tent or a bivi, and the trees at the top and the ones that surround the hill are perfect for a hammock.
I didn’t camp on the flat top as I saw evidence of open fires, and thought that there may be the possibility of visitors during the evening or night. I searched the steep sides around the top for a spot.
Many areas looked great and flat, but on further inspection, contained yet to bloom bluebells and some of these areas were pretty boggy, and that is despite very little rain and above average temperatures for the previous couple of weeks before I visited.
I found a lovely spot where it was bluebell free in a dried fern area, where I set up camp. The red sky at dusk on one side and the near full moon on the other, made it a gorgeous night. I was undisturbed all night and slept well.
Coordinates:
GPS: ST 43277 01289
Google maps: 50°48’30.1″N 2°48’23.1″W
What3words:costumed.sometime.laptops
Getting there:
I drove and parked in the village of Broadwindsor, where there is plenty of free parking. Please see the parking images in the comments.
I saw a walking guide website, where it was suggested to park along the B3162, where there are available parking spaces either side of Broadwindsor CEVC Primary School. Looking on the map, there is also on-street parking on nearby Yarn Baton Road.
I parked on Redlands Lanes, and on my way to the hill, I passed other roads such as Fullers and Orchard Mead and even High Street.
I am afraid I have no information regarding public transport.
Heads up:
I visited on a Friday and while I was there, I only saw one couple at the top. There is a tree swing at the top and many old broken pieces of rope around many other trees and left over from old and broken tree swings.
I saw the remnants of two fire pits on the top, which made me think that there were visitors, perhaps into the night, so I camped elsewhere.
The top of the hill is surrounded by some steep sides and lots of trees and woodland. There are many bluebell areas, which I didn’t want to camp on, so I was slightly restricted.
I parked in Broadwindsor village, where there’s plenty of free parking (see photos in the comments). Some walking guides suggest parking along the B3162, near Broadwindsor CEVC Primary School. There’s also on-street parking on nearby Yarn Barton Road. I parked on Redlands Lane and passed roads like Fullers, Orchard Mead, and High Street on the way to the hill, which also have free on-street parking.
I visited on a Friday and saw just one couple at the top. There’s a tree swing up there, along with remnants of old ropes from past swings. I also found two fire pits, which suggested the area might get visitors at night-so I chose to camp elsewhere.
The hilltop is surrounded by steep slopes and woodland, with lots of bluebells in bloom. I didn’t want to disturb them, so that limited potential camp spots a little.
Good phone and internet signal.
#bivi #broadwindsor #dorset #wildcamp
