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West Compton

Settlement in Dorset

England

West Compton

Eggardon Hill Eggardon Hill is a prehistoric hill fort built on chalk uplands. The highest point stands at 252 metres above sea level and offers outstanding views to the Jurassic Coast. The southern half of the site is owned by the National Trust.
Eggardon Hill Credit: Mark Percy

West Compton is a quaint village located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated approximately 6 miles southwest of the historic town of Dorchester, it lies in the scenic valley of the River Frome. With a population of around 200 residents, the village exudes a close-knit and friendly community atmosphere.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and picturesque countryside, West Compton offers breathtaking views and a serene ambiance. The village is characterized by its charming thatched-roof cottages, stone walls, and well-maintained gardens, which give it an idyllic and timeless charm.

The heart of West Compton revolves around the local church, St. Mary's, which dates back to the 12th century. The church serves as a focal point for both religious and community gatherings, hosting regular services and various events throughout the year.

Nature enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside, with numerous walking trails and footpaths crisscrossing the area. The nearby River Frome provides a tranquil setting for fishing and boating activities.

Although West Compton itself is a relatively quiet village, it benefits from its proximity to larger towns and amenities. Dorchester offers a range of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, while the stunning Jurassic Coastline is within easy reach, providing opportunities for coastal walks and beach visits.

Overall, West Compton, Dorset embodies the quintessential charm of a traditional English village, offering residents and visitors alike a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

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West Compton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.747115/-2.6211482 or Grid Reference SY5694. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eggardon Hill Eggardon Hill is a prehistoric hill fort built on chalk uplands. The highest point stands at 252 metres above sea level and offers outstanding views to the Jurassic Coast. The southern half of the site is owned by the National Trust.
Eggardon Hill
Eggardon Hill is a prehistoric hill fort built on chalk uplands. The highest point stands at 252 metres above sea level and offers outstanding views to the Jurassic Coast. The southern half of the site is owned by the National Trust.
Looking east along the Roman Road at Two Gates The thick fog in this photo was coming in from the sea (to the right) and making driving on this narrow (but straight) road quite difficult. It had been sunny only a few hours earlier, which shows how quickly the weather can change on this high ground (238m above sea level). The Roman road eventually leads to Dorchester.
Looking east along the Roman Road at Two Gates
The thick fog in this photo was coming in from the sea (to the right) and making driving on this narrow (but straight) road quite difficult. It had been sunny only a few hours earlier, which shows how quickly the weather can change on this high ground (238m above sea level). The Roman road eventually leads to Dorchester.
Eggardon hillfort Rampart of hill fort visible by minor road running north west to Powerstock
Eggardon hillfort
Rampart of hill fort visible by minor road running north west to Powerstock
View from Shatcombe Lane towards Eggardon Hill Farm Looking southeast from Shatcombe Lane, with Eggardon Hill Farm in the valley below. According to the map this field has 'celtic field systems' i.e. the earthwork remains of Bronze Age farming. Now it is home to some white bullocks.
View from Shatcombe Lane towards Eggardon Hill Farm
Looking southeast from Shatcombe Lane, with Eggardon Hill Farm in the valley below. According to the map this field has 'celtic field systems' i.e. the earthwork remains of Bronze Age farming. Now it is home to some white bullocks.
Road junction and signpost on Eggardon Hill This junction marks the higher end of Shatcombe Lane. The Eggardon Hill trig point can be seen on the horizon, left of centre. The top of the directional signpost features the number "548948" which I only later realised was the OS grid reference for this sign.
Road junction and signpost on Eggardon Hill
This junction marks the higher end of Shatcombe Lane. The Eggardon Hill trig point can be seen on the horizon, left of centre. The top of the directional signpost features the number "548948" which I only later realised was the OS grid reference for this sign.
Glaciated chalk landscape, Eggardon Hill Looking south from the south-east entrance to Eggardon iron-age hillfort, this glaciated chalk escarpment is beautifully contoured and reminiscent of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/25255">SU2986 : The Manger, north of Uffington Castle</a>. A few sheep can be seen perched on the edge of the steep slope, to the left of the photo.
Glaciated chalk landscape, Eggardon Hill
Looking south from the south-east entrance to Eggardon iron-age hillfort, this glaciated chalk escarpment is beautifully contoured and reminiscent of SU2986 : The Manger, north of Uffington Castle. A few sheep can be seen perched on the edge of the steep slope, to the left of the photo.
Flytipping at Shatcombe Lane picnic Area, Eggardon Hill A nearby sign (not pictured) asks visitors to PLEASE LEAVE THIS AREA AS YOU WOULD HOPE TO FIND IT. Someone obviously hoped to find it containing a broken fridge and washing machine. Why bring it up here to the top of a remote Dorset hill?
Flytipping at Shatcombe Lane picnic Area, Eggardon Hill
A nearby sign (not pictured) asks visitors to PLEASE LEAVE THIS AREA AS YOU WOULD HOPE TO FIND IT. Someone obviously hoped to find it containing a broken fridge and washing machine. Why bring it up here to the top of a remote Dorset hill?
View from Eggardon Hill to the sea
View from Eggardon Hill to the sea
West Compton: parish church of St. Michael Although the village is immediately west of Compton Valence, the name West Compton actually refers to Compton Abbas, some 20 miles away – to which parish it was originally a detachment.
West Compton: parish church of St. Michael
Although the village is immediately west of Compton Valence, the name West Compton actually refers to Compton Abbas, some 20 miles away – to which parish it was originally a detachment.
House on the road southwest of Wynford Eagle
House on the road southwest of Wynford Eagle
Eggardon Hill: lush slopes and sea view
Eggardon Hill: lush slopes and sea view
Green view from Eggardon This is a view across south Dorset from Eggardon Hill (exact position uncertain). Where the horizon dips about ⅓ along from the left-hand edge, Portland is just recognisable.
Green view from Eggardon
This is a view across south Dorset from Eggardon Hill (exact position uncertain). Where the horizon dips about ⅓ along from the left-hand edge, Portland is just recognisable.
Bridleway as seen from the Roman road Note the high and sturdy gates/fencing beyond the metal gate - this area has been extensively planted to new woodland so high fences have been erected to keep deer away from the trees.
Bridleway as seen from the Roman road
Note the high and sturdy gates/fencing beyond the metal gate - this area has been extensively planted to new woodland so high fences have been erected to keep deer away from the trees.
Bridleway leading to North Barn Farm. Bridleway leading south from the Roman road through North Barn Farm to the A35.
Bridleway leading to North Barn Farm.
Bridleway leading south from the Roman road through North Barn Farm to the A35.
Isolated farm building Isolated farm building as viewed from the north east on Jubilee Trail. Building currently used to shelter sheep.
Isolated farm building
Isolated farm building as viewed from the north east on Jubilee Trail. Building currently used to shelter sheep.
New tree planting Looking south along the bridleway, there are many acres of newly planted trees to the east.
New tree planting
Looking south along the bridleway, there are many acres of newly planted trees to the east.
Toller Porcorum: cows at Woolcombe Farm The calf does not match the colour of the adults.
Toller Porcorum: cows at Woolcombe Farm
The calf does not match the colour of the adults.
Toller Porcorum: Shatcombe Lane The lane to Wynford Eagle from the top of Eggardon Hill: the edge of the square must be very close to the rather strange looking tree.
Toller Porcorum: Shatcombe Lane
The lane to Wynford Eagle from the top of Eggardon Hill: the edge of the square must be very close to the rather strange looking tree.
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West Compton is located at Grid Ref: SY5694 (Lat: 50.747115, Lng: -2.6211482)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///resonated.blankets.snoozing. Near Maiden Newton, Dorset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.747115,-2.6211482
West Compton
Place: hamlet
Source: NLS - OS 1:25k 1st Series 1937-61
Lat/Long: 50.7465529/-2.6206726
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Compton, West Dorset
Cornforth, West Durham

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