ST8510 : Hanford: on Hod Hill’s lower rampart

Hod Hill

143m Elevation
76m Prominence
England Country
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ST8510 : Hanford: on Hod Hill’s lower rampart

Chris Downer Photo source

Explore routes near Hod Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Durdle Door coastal walk

6.8 km ~2h 20m Moderate

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Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Langdon Hill Circular

2.2 km ~50m Easy

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Westhay–Mearse–Shapwick

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Hod Hill Circular Walk

A scenic loop starting at the car park, offering a mix of woodland and grassy paths, leading up to the summit and back.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

143m

469 ft

Prominence

76m

Coordinates

50.8962, -2.2072

ST855107

OS Map

194

Explorer: 118N

At the Summit

The summit is marked by an impressive ancient hillfort with remnants of ramparts and ditches, providing a glimpse into its storied past.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy wooded tracks with some inclines; suitable for both leisurely strolls and the more adventurous.

Hod Hill consists mainly of clay, chalk, and flint, with striking earthworks that showcase its historical significance as a hillfort. The underlying geology contributes to the formation of unique soil types which support diverse flora.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can catch a glimpse of the picturesque Blackmore Vale and, on a clear day, even spot the gleaming rooftops of the nearby towns.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hod' is derived from Old English, meaning a 'hill' or 'mound', aptly describing its prominent geographical feature.

Historical Significance

The hillfort dates back to the Iron Age, used for defence by the local population and offers insight into ancient British life.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park off the A354 at ST855107, suitable for several vehicles. Ensure not to block any gates.

Public Transport

Frequent buses run to Blandford Forum from Poole and Wimborne, with connections to the A354.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby Blandford Forum boasts cafes, pubs, and public toilets, perfect for a post-hike refreshment or comfort break.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch for uneven terrain, especially near the hillfort. Weather can change rapidly in the hills, so be prepared with appropriate gear.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Hod Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Hod Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Hod Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Hod Hill search or of course create your own walk for Hod Hill

Can I organise a walk to Hod Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Hod Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Hod Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Hod Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: ST855107

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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