Notton Down

Downs, Moorland in Dorset

England

Notton Down

Frampton The A356 to Crewkerne heading west through the village. — Frampton Credit: Trevor Harris

Notton Down is an expansive area of downs and moorland located in the county of Dorset, England. Spanning over a vast expanse of approximately 5 square kilometers, it is nestled between the villages of Fontmell Magna and Donhead St. Andrew. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, open grasslands, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The landscape of Notton Down is largely composed of chalk, resulting in a unique flora and fauna. The downland is covered in a patchwork of grasses and wildflowers, including common species such as harebells, cowslips, and wild thyme. The area is also home to a variety of bird species, including skylarks, meadow pipits, and stonechats.

Notton Down offers several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the diverse landscape and take in the breathtaking views. The trails wind through the open grasslands, providing opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. The undulating terrain makes it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Aside from its natural beauty, Notton Down also holds historical significance. The area is dotted with ancient burial mounds, known as barrows, which date back to the Bronze Age. These barrows provide a glimpse into the region's rich history and are protected as Scheduled Monuments.

Overall, Notton Down offers a serene and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical sites make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil and immersive outdoor experience in Dorset.

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Notton Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.752554/-2.5516886 or Grid Reference SY6194. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Frampton

The A356 to Crewkerne heading west through the village.

Trevor Harris

St Mary's Frampton

Taken at the end of Church Lane.

Trevor Harris

Direction Sign â Signpost on the A356 Dorchester Road in Frampton

Located on the southwest side of the T junction of the A356 Dorchester Road and a minor road to Southover in Frampton parish. The annulus & bar finial has been reused from an older fingerpost. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: DO_SY6295

C Payne

Wheat field above Cruxton

looking north

Sheila Russell

Footpath towards Notton Hill Barn

Looking north, this footpath crosses the eastern part of the square. Here looking north across an east-west dry valley to the right where another footpath comes up to join us. Notton Hill Barn is about 200 metres further along the track in the distance.

Graham Horn

Signpost at SY599948

Dorset County footpath signposts have the grid reference marked on them. Useful to confirm where you are, in this case easy to position on Geograph at SY599948.

Graham Horn

Deer on the Macmillan Way

As I was heading into the strong south-westerly wind these deer lying in the long grass had not heard me coming. Nor had I seen them until I was about 20 feet away as only their heads were showing. Then all action - me getting the camera out, them running. On the Macmillan Way above Cruxton.

Graham Horn

Water trough above Cruxton

A wet and misty day hides all the extensive views from the top of the climb out of Cruxton. So instead all one can see are the immediate things; hedgerows, water troughs, the remains of some animal feed.

Graham Horn

Deer on the Macmillan Way

After the previous picture, one deer had already bolted. This one was still weighing up its options, before choosing to follow the first one, directly through the hedge on the right.

Graham Horn

Tea stop in the rain

Walking through the long pasture grass was not pleasant in the rain and the strong south-westerly wind. This stile in the field corner provided some protection for a tea stop.

Graham Horn

View from SY599948

The signpost helpfully displays a grid reference on the other side. This would be a view in better weather. Choice of paths here.

Graham Horn

Notton Hill Barn

Now converted into a private residence.

Graham Horn

Descent to Compton Valence

The Macmillan Way path descends into the Compton Valence valley in typical downland scenery, if you can see it through the lashing rain and heading directly into a strong south-westerly wind.

Graham Horn

Lone tree on the descent to Compton Valence

A bleak landscape in wet weather, but beautiful when dry. The excitement is enlivened by this lone tree.

Graham Horn

Barn near Compton Valence

This barn with a set of rollers north of Compton Valence is high on the plateau of the chalk downland. The photo was taken from the bridle path that runs east from Greenford Lane. View south east with the valley of Compton Bottom in the distance.

Nigel Mykura

Countryside Near Compton Valence

View southeast from the edge of the chalk downland plateau on the Northern side of Compton Bottom. There are extensive ancient field systems in this area. The ones visible in the distance are in SY 5993 and SY6093.

Nigel Mykura

No Way Through

This puddle is on the south side of a hedgerow on the chalk downland plateau close to the intersection of the Macmillan Way with another bridle path running east west. The minor bridle path dog-legs across the hedge at this point and the land owner has erected the sign in the middle distance which says NO FOOTPATH to make sure walkers follow the path on the north side of the hedge.

Nigel Mykura