Compton Down

Hill, Mountain in Dorset

England

Compton Down

Off West Lane Footpath near Melbury Beacon.
Off West Lane Credit: Wayland Smith

Compton Down is a prominent hill located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated near the village of Compton Abbas, it forms part of the larger Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Standing at an elevation of 268 meters (879 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

This hill is characterized by its gentle slopes and lush green vegetation, which make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, with a variety of wildflowers, butterflies, and bird species calling it home. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the well-maintained footpaths that traverse the hill, taking in the picturesque landscapes along the way.

Compton Down also has a rich archaeological history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The hill is known to contain Iron Age hill forts, which were once defensive structures used by ancient communities. These historical sites add an extra layer of intrigue and fascination for those interested in the region's past.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Compton Down offers opportunities for paragliding and hang gliding, thanks to its favorable wind conditions and open spaces. These activities provide a unique perspective of the surrounding countryside, allowing participants to appreciate the hill's natural beauty from a different vantage point.

Overall, Compton Down is a cherished natural landmark in Dorset, offering stunning views, tranquil walks, and a glimpse into the area's intriguing past.

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Compton Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.969968/-2.1644392 or Grid Reference ST8818. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Off West Lane Footpath near Melbury Beacon.
Off West Lane
Footpath near Melbury Beacon.
Entrance to Hatts Barn near Compton Abbas Airfield
Entrance to Hatts Barn near Compton Abbas Airfield
Looking towards Melbury Hill from Fontmell Down The village of Compton Abbas in the valley. A wonderful area for butterflies in the summer.
Looking towards Melbury Hill from Fontmell Down
The village of Compton Abbas in the valley. A wonderful area for butterflies in the summer.
Clubmen's Down near Compton Abbas
Clubmen's Down near Compton Abbas
Compton Abbas: one of England's most scenic airfields
Compton Abbas: one of England's most scenic airfields
Public Footpath across Compton Abbas airfield Enjoy your walk!
Public Footpath across Compton Abbas airfield
Enjoy your walk!
Road through Melbury Abbas At one of its quieter moments, though there is a 20mph speed limit in force.
Road through Melbury Abbas
At one of its quieter moments, though there is a 20mph speed limit in force.
Across Spread Eagle Hill to Compton Down
Across Spread Eagle Hill to Compton Down
Melbury Abbas from a hill to the east
Melbury Abbas from a hill to the east
Sheep in a valley at Melbury Abbas
Sheep in a valley at Melbury Abbas
Dukum Hollow from Melbury Hill
Dukum Hollow from Melbury Hill
Melbury Hill
Melbury Hill
From Melbury Hill towards Compton Down
From Melbury Hill towards Compton Down
Across the downs towards Compton Abbas Airfield from the North
Across the downs towards Compton Abbas Airfield from the North
Across East Melbury and Melbury Abbas from Melbury Hill
Across East Melbury and Melbury Abbas from Melbury Hill
Across Compton Down from Melbury Hill
Across Compton Down from Melbury Hill
Southwards from the top of Melbury Hill
Southwards from the top of Melbury Hill
Southern slopes and grassy foot of Melbury Hill
Southern slopes and grassy foot of Melbury Hill
Show me another place!

Compton Down is located at Grid Ref: ST8818 (Lat: 50.969968, Lng: -2.1644392)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///police.breezy.outlawing. Near Shaftesbury, Dorset

Related Wikis

Compton Abbas Airfield

Compton Abbas Airfield (IATA: n/a, ICAO: EGHA) is a grass airstrip 2.7 NM (5.0 km; 3.1 mi) south of Shaftesbury, Dorset, England. Compton Abbas Aerodrome...

Melbury Abbas

Melbury Abbas is a village and civil parish in north Dorset, England, 3 km SSW of the town of Shaftesbury, east of the A350 Shaftesbury to Blandford Forum...

Melbury Down

Melbury Down is an area of downland in northern Dorset, England. It is owned by the National Trust. The chalk grassland here supports large butterfly populations...

Melbury Hill

Melbury Hill, whose summit is also called Melbury Beacon, is a prominent hill, 263 metres high, on the high chalk escarpment of the North Dorset Downs...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.969968,-2.1644392
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.9713609/-2.1647745
Kerb: no
Lat/Long: 50.969884/-2.1643874
Compton Down
Ele: 230
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 50.9725101/-2.1691498
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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