Pitcombe Down

Downs, Moorland in Dorset

England

Pitcombe Down

Bridehead Lake, Little Bredy Credit: Gary Rogers

Pitcombe Down is a picturesque area located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated amidst the rolling hills and tranquil countryside, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The downland landscape of Pitcombe Down provides visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for hiking, walking, and picnicking.

Covering an extensive area, Pitcombe Down is characterized by its diverse habitats, including open grassland, heathland, and patches of woodland. These habitats support a wide range of flora and fauna, making it an important site for biodiversity. Visitors can spot various species of wildflowers, such as orchids and primroses, as well as numerous butterflies and birds that call this area home.

The downland terrain of Pitcombe Down also offers opportunities for leisure activities like horse riding and cycling. Its network of footpaths and bridleways allows visitors to explore the area at their own pace, immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

In addition to its natural features, Pitcombe Down is also known for its historical significance. The area is dotted with ancient burial mounds and earthworks, providing evidence of human presence dating back thousands of years. These archaeological sites contribute to the cultural heritage of the region, attracting history enthusiasts and archaeologists alike.

Overall, Pitcombe Down in Dorset is a stunning landscape that offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Whether one seeks a peaceful walk in nature or an opportunity to delve into the past, this area has something to offer for everyone.

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Pitcombe Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.705919/-2.5864174 or Grid Reference SY5889. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridehead Lake, Little Bredy

Gary Rogers

St. Michael and All Angels

Little Bredy

Gary Rogers

Junction of a minor road with the A35 at the Poor Lot barrow cemetery

Looking southeast at the junction, with the largest of the Poor Lot bronze-age barrows behind. Part of the barrow cemetery is an English Heritage site, but there is no safe or convenient place to park.

Jim Champion

Black Down and the Poor Lot barrows, Winterbourne Abbas

Looking northeast across Black Down: the A35 is hidden in the valley below and the concave remains of round barrows can be seen in the ploughed fields on the opposite hillslope.

Jim Champion

Verdant pasture south of the A35 between Martin's Down and Black Down

The feature just the other side of the fence on the far side of the valley is a badly mutilated round barrow with a capstone, which lies just within this grid square.

Jim Champion

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Little Bredy

Bob Ford

St Peter's Church, Long Bredy, Dorset

Dave Napier

Pond northwest of Lower Kingston Russell Farm

This pond is alongside the Macmillan Way footpath, a few hundred metres northwest of Lower Kingston Russell Farm. One of the west Dorset chalk ridgeways dominates the background - with Long Barrow Hill on the far left and Whatcombe Down on the right.

Jim Champion

Spreading sycamore on the slopes of Tenants Hill

Descending Tenants Hill on the Macmillan Way footpath, this huge spreading sycamore grows on the chalky slope with few other trees for company.

Jim Champion

Lower Kingston Russell farm

Labelled on the 1940s OS map as "Kingston Russell Dairy" this farm still maintains a large dairy herd depastured on the chalky northern slopes of Tenants Hill.

Jim Champion

Hazel coppice near Lower Kingston Russell Farm

The Macmillan Way footpath passes through this hazel coppice east of Lower Kingston Russell farm. A few bluebell flowers persist in the undergrowth, although now its June they are past their best.

Jim Champion

Barrows at Black Down

The barrows in this picture are two of many in the area, along with a multitude of dents, bumps and tumuli. These are in an area called the Poor Lot Barrows. The road at the T-junction is the A35. I am submitting further pictures of the area in this square and in SY5990.

Stephen Williams

Poor Lot Barrows, Black Down

A view of the barrows from further up the road. More pictures around this site can be seen in square SY5990.

Stephen Williams

Mysterious tumulus near Broad Stone

Misty spring view of an ancient circular feature on a hillside overlooking the A35 west of Winterbourne Abbas. There is a similar feature among the tumuli on the other side of the road at Poor Lot Barrows.

Stephen Williams

Minor road and Poor Lot barrows.

This minor road is signposted to Compton Valence from the A35, but at its top end on the edge of SY5991 & SY5992 it is simply marked 'Main Road'. Not 'A35', not 'Dorchester, Bridport' but just 'Main Road'. Just after the bend the road drops into SY5890, and beyond the T-junction can be seen the ancient Poor Lot Barrows, complete with another one of those weird round features.

Stephen Williams