Easy hikes and walks around West Compton

Eggardon Hill is a prehistoric hillfort, and sits at 827ft above sea level. The hill provides extensive views of the surrounding countryside and the English Channel to the south. The southern half of the hill is owned and maintained by The National Trust (which permits free public access throughout the year) with the northern part in private ownership. The large multivallate hillfort dates from the Iron Age. The surviving earthworks enclose an area of approximately 21ha in total. The defences consist of three ramparts with two medial ditches with additional outer banks to the north-west and east. Ditches and counterscarp banks provide additional protection at the staggered entrances and to the south west where there is an additional outwork. classified as a Hump (hill of any height with a drop of 100 metres or more on all sides)

The remains of the old Market Cross from the 15th century, standing at the junction of Dorchester Road and Church Road. It consists of a square base and the lower part of a rough-hewn square stem, the whole thing standing about 5 feet high. It has beaded angles and on the west face are the much-weathered figures standing on a corbelled projection.

This footpath to the west of Eggardon hill creates a nice short loop from the car park at the top of the hill. The walking is along a grassy path across fields, down the steep bank which forms the front face of the hill and back up to the hill via south Eggerdon Farm & North Eggerdon Farm.

Eggardon Hill is a fantastically impressive hillfort between Bridport and Dorchester. There are plenty of paths in the area that can lead you to it and from there, you can walk the incredible ramparts and reach the summit. In clear weather, the views are absolutely wonderful.

This sleepy Dorset village is lovely to stroll around. With thatched cottages, a pretty church and quiet lanes, Askerswell is a good example of Dorset's historical settlements. From here, it's easy to hike to the hillfort, Eggardon Hill.

This is actually the church of Saints Peter and Andrew but it's more commonly known under the name of the latter. With the oldest section dating back to the start of the 14th century, this church has been standing for a considerable time. It has a drooping chancel, where the chancel arch is uneven. This style is thought to represent Jesus' head on the cross and is typical of Saxon churches, indicating that this building may stand on the site of an even earlier church.

This area is pure rural beauty so take the time to admire the rolling fields and farmland here. With church spires and farmhouses tucked into the folds of the land, the pastoral atmosphere is marvellous.

Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve is an unspoiled area of grassland surrounded by thick hedges, streams, ponds, and wooded areas. The reserve is managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and is grazed by cows and sheep using traditional farming methods; without any artificial fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides. For more information, visit: https://www.kingcombe.org/kingcombe-meadows-nature-reserve.