SY6688 : Maiden Castle: Sheep and lambs on the ramparts

Maiden Castle

138m Elevation
43m Prominence
England Country
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SY6688 : Maiden Castle: Sheep and lambs on the ramparts

Michael Garlick Photo source

Explore routes near Maiden Castle

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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Langdon Hill Circular

2.2 km ~50m Easy

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Westhay–Mearse–Shapwick

View route

Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m 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.

Maiden Castle Circular Walk

A scenic loop traversing the ancient pathways surrounding Maiden Castle, perfect for soaking in both history and views.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate

Direct Access from Dorchester

A straightforward route directly from Dorchester, this is a great option for a quick jaunt to the summit.

2 km ~0.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

138m

451 ft

Prominence

43m

Coordinates

50.6943, -2.4750

SY665884

OS Map

194

Explorer: OL15W

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent earthwork with panoramic views, coupled with a historic atmosphere that whispers tales of the past.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some earthy paths and chalky sections a perfect blend for a countryside stroll.

Predominantly chalk grassland, Maiden Castle features fascinating geological formations and ancient earthworks, reflecting its rich history.

Views & Scenery

The stunning views encompass Dorchester, the surrounding countryside, and on clear days, the distant coast of Weymouth.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Maiden Castle' is rooted in Anglo-Saxon, suggesting a 'fortified place' or 'the castle of the maiden'.

Historical Significance

An important Iron Age hillfort, Maiden Castle is believed to be one of the largest in Europe, with archaeological evidence dating back over 6,000 years.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the nearby car park on the Dorchester to Maiden Castle road (SY696887), from where it's a short walk to the summit.

Public Transport

Buses run regularly from Dorchester to the stop closest to Maiden Castle. Check local schedules for timings.

Nearby Facilities

Although no facilities are on-site, Dorchester offers a plethora of cafes, shops, and toilets for pre- or post-hike needs.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for slippery patches after rain and be cautious of uneven ground in some areas.

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 Maiden Castle?

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

Are there other walkers around Maiden Castle?

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 Maiden Castle search or of course create your own walk for Maiden Castle

Can I organise a walk to Maiden Castle?

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 Maiden Castle.

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 Maiden Castle?

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 Maiden Castle 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: SY665884

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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