Okeford and Ibberton Hills via Shillingstone

Start time: 10:00 (approx.. finish 3.15)

Mileage: 11.6 miles

Walk Grade:  Moderate

Walk Description: A variation on a previous walk that includes Ibberton Hill and Shillingstone, but here in a different direction, and from high ground so there’s a bit of gradient! We begin at Okeford Hill car park, on the Wessex Ridgeway, promptly dropping down never-ending Shillingstone Hill before joining up with the trailway that passes Shillingstone station, where toilets and a café can be found.  We then head west at low level on paths and tracks, passing through Okeford Fitzpaine, Belchalwell and Ibberton. Naturally, we have to reach high ground again somewhere, so will make the ascent from the latter village to the hill fort that bears its name, taking in the excellent views. We then take a less typical route off the hill, winding our way around the countryside and ultimately returning to the Ridgeway and our start point.

Note: our group walks quite briskly; while this route isn’t overly demanding of terrain or distance, if you have any concerns about fitness/capability please contact the walk leader in advance.

Meet Point (Description): Okeford Hill Car Park (free)

You will find this on a very minor lane, but it’s of a reasonable size. Do NOT rely on postcodes for this location.

Please pay attention to the additional information here and ideally use whatthree words. Note: Google also doesn’t recognise it as a car park.

Please car share wherever possible - protect our environment. 

Grid Reference/Postcode: ST812093/nearest DT11 0EF

Whatthreewords code: doors.blotting.drifters

Additional guidance to reach meet point:

Coming from/close to Winterborne Stickland, take the lane north toward and through Turnworth and stay on this until you see a small crossroads of paths, following which you will find an opening on the left with a sign for Okeford Hill into the car park. Coming from Okeford Fitzpaine, exit south on Higher Street and then take the next major left at a triangular junction soon after. Follow this past Okeford Hill Bike Park on your left, and you will shortly see the opening to the Hill car park on the right.

NOTE: if you have to use Google, enter Okeford Hill Bike Park and you will be very close!

Booking info:

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

https://buytickets.at/walksfordorset4050ramblers/1346185

Numbers are limited and are dependent on the discretion of the walk leader. Anyone turning up without booking and/or where beyond the 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.

Leader: Andy  Contact number: 07786377101

What you need to consider:

• Bring packed lunch – there are brief drink/snack stops
• Toilet visit – quite early at Shillingford station
• Good walking boots/shoes – be prepared for anything!
• Bring enough drink for the walk
• Dogs – assistance dogs only please