Dorset 4050 Walkers group logo

Dorset 4050 Walkers Group

We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

From the car park we walk through Fontmell Wood and on to Ashmore Wood, where we stop to admire the bluebells. Next we walk to Ashmore village (the highest village in Dorset) where we will probably take lunch by the village pond. No ducks, but lots of tadpoles. After lunch we walk back up to Compton Airfield, and then towards Melbury Hill. Those who wish can walk to the top of Melbury Hill while the rest take a break. Then downhill to the village of Compton Abbas for a quick look around, followed by a climb back up to the start point. 

Note: our group walks quite briskly; this route is moderately demanding of terrain and distance, if you have any concerns about fitness/capability please contact the walk leader in advance.

Leader: Andy

Contact number: 07786377101

Please buy (free) tickets via Ticket Tailor using the following link:

https://buytickets.at/walksfordorset4050ramblers/1669860

Numbers have been limited on this occasion (see parking details below). Anyone turning up without booking beyond the planned maximum for the walk may not be permitted to start.

If you cannot attend please cancel your ticket through the site so others can take a place.

If any issues please contact the walk leader.

Grid Reference/Postcode: ST888184/SP5 5AP

whatthreewords code: supper.fulfilled.trailing

Any additional guidance to reach meet point:

Meet at Spreadeagle Hill NT Car Park (free). On the Melbury Abbas road, just west of the Compton Abbas Airfield. Do NOT use the postcode, most effective is whatthreewords. This is a great walk with the bluebells in full bloom, but parking is challenging and it’s difficult to predict how busy it will be on the day. Car sharing is essential, but I have also set a maximum number of attendees, although will review if looks like being exceeded. We may need to double park with other group members. Please arrive a bit early just in case.

What you need to consider:

  • Bring packed lunch – there are brief drink/snack stops
  • Toilet visit – none
  • Good walking boots/shoes – be prepared for anything!
  • Bring enough drink for the walk
  • Dogs – assistance dogs only please

 

Sunday, 27 April 2025
Start time:
10:00 am
Estimated finish time:
3:30 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
20.9km / 13.0mi
Ascent:
572.1m / 1877ft
Type:
circular

-

Features

  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available

Starting point

Grid reference:
ST 88820 18457
Nearest postcode:
SP5 5AP
what3words:
supper.fulfilled.trailing
Start time:
10:00 am

Spreadeagle Hill NT Car Park (free). On the Melbury Abbas road, on the left, just to the North of the Compton Abbas Airfield. This is a great walk with the bluebells in full bloom, but parking in the area is challenging and it’s difficult to predict how busy it will be on the day. Car sharing is essential, but as a result I have set a maximum number of attendees, and will review if looks like being exceeded. We may also need to double park with other group members. Please arrive a bit early just in case.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking