SU7218 : Divergence of tracks in Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Holt Down

204m Elevation
36m Prominence
England Country
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SU7218 : Divergence of tracks in Queen Elizabeth Country Park

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Explore routes near Holt Down

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

Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Devil's Dyke, Newtimber Hill and Fulking Hill walk

11.4 km ~4h Moderate

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Box Hill - Stepping Stones Circuit

3.2 km ~2h Moderate

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Virginia Water Circlular

7 km Easy

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Route planning notes

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

Holt Down Circular Walk

This scenic circular route takes you from the nearby village of Kingston Russell, offering delightful views across the Dorset countryside and down to the coast.

5.5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

204m

669 ft

Prominence

36m

Coordinates

50.9622, -0.9662

SU727186

OS Map

197

Explorer: OL8 120

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a small, grassy knoll, and offers a gentle cairn made from local stones, which has been well-loved by dog walkers and picnic enthusiasts alike.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes with occasional rocky outcrops and patches of wildflowers in spring.

Holt Down is primarily composed of chalk and flint, typical of the South Dorset ridge, creating a unique and interesting geological structure. The erosion of the chalk has formed impressive natural features and provides excellent drainage.

Views & Scenery

From the top, you can see the expansive views of the Purbeck Hills, Poole Harbour, and even glimpse the sea on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Holt' is derived from the Old English word for a wooded area, while 'Down' refers to the chalk hill. So, it roughly translates to 'wooded hill', which is fitting, as the lower slopes can be quite lush.

Historical Significance

Holt Down is known for its archaeological significance, with Neolithic barrows and evidence of early human settlement in the surrounding area.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking area is located at Kingston Russell village, with space for approximately 10 cars. Arrive early for better chances!

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in the village of Langton Matravers, with service from Swanage. Expect a bit of a hike from there.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on Holt Down, nearby Kingston Russell offers a quaint pub, perfect for a post-hike pint. Toilets can be found in Wareham.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for muddy sections in wet weather, and the occasional cow that may be grazing peacefully nearby!

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 Holt Down?

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

Are there other walkers around Holt Down?

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 Holt Down search or of course create your own walk for Holt Down

Can I organise a walk to Holt Down?

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 Holt Down.

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 Holt Down?

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 Holt Down 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: SU727186

View on OpenStreetMap

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