Dan posted an update
Pilsdon Pen, Dorset
Late July 2025
Another hillfort, and the second highest point in Dorset.
I found this one a little tricky to reach, after deciding to park a few miles away in Broadwindsor. There’s plenty of signage at first, including the Monarch’s Way, but I began to doubt the route when the markers seemed to vanish. I later found a broken sign, dumped in a bush at the entrance to a farm.
From there the path led through a farmyard crowded with large vehicles, electric fences and cattle in the fields- with more fences to cross after that. It gave me the uneasy feeling of trespassing, even though it was a public right of way and part of the Monarch’s Way.
The rest of the walk was straightforward. I reached the top of Pilsdon Hill later than planned. The sky had clouded over by then, so the sunset was less dramatic than I’d hoped.
The hillfort itself has plenty of options for camping. The ramparts are high, some overgrown with brambles and ferns, while on the summit there’s a large flat grassy area with no trees, just a few sheep grazing. I picked a spot on a narrow path on top of a rampart path. The ferns either side offered shelter from the wind and away from the main entrance path.
It was a quiet night. I bagged a trig point and saw no one during my stay. The weather wasn’t the best, so I think that helped keep visitors away.
Coordinates:
GPS: ST 41180 01447
Google Maps: 50°48’34.4″N 2°50’10.3″W
What3words:Il/meaty.choice.unwell
Getting there:
.
I parked in Broadwindsor, as I knew the area from a previous camp at Lewesdon Hill. The village has plenty of free on-street parking and is well placed for both hills – Lewesdon Hill is a short walk away, while Pilsdon Hill is a little further at roughly 5 km (3.1 miles).
My route followed part of the Monarch’s Way, which was well signposted until I reached a farm along Grange lane. Komoot led me straight through the farmyard, but with no clear signage I questioned this. After trying a few alternative paths, I eventually spotted a broken sign half-hidden in a bush, and the Komoot route was correct.
From there, it was simply a case of crossing a few fields of cattle, sheep and horse, as well as a few paths, electric fences and gates to reach the entrance to the hill.
There is also a car park on the B3164 at Cockpit Hill. It’s visible from the trig point end of Pilsdon Hill and a popular van park up.
Heads up:
Good internet and phone signal. Only issue was the signage and other obstacles around and through a farm located along Grange Lane.
#pilsdonhill #hillfort #dorset #bivicamp #wildcamp #trigpoint
2 Comments
There’s a #trigpoint available to bag on #pilsdonpen.
