Best mountain peaks around Powerstock are characterized by the distinctive "Powerstock Hills," which are small, conical hills surrounded by deep river valleys within the Dorset National Landscape. This area offers a glimpse into the West Dorset countryside, known for its verdant woodlands and tranquil scenery. Notable hills like Eggardon Hill feature Iron Age hillforts, providing historical significance and expansive views. The region's largely open hilltops offer impressive panoramic views of the Dorset countryside.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight (Segment) • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Summit
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more peaks around Powerstock.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
From the trig point at Pilsdon Pen summit, you get spectacular, wide-open views across Dorset. Looking south, the eye sweeps over the lush farmlands and rolling hills of the Marshwood Vale, extending all the way down to Bridport and the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.
0
0
The highest point on the south coast of England. quite the lung opener and leg burner to reach. well worth it with the views though. Just be careful near the cliff edge. Constantly eroding away.
3
0
Quite the climb up, regardless of which side you choose. Experts now believe people lived on Doghouse Hill on the Golden Cap estate up to 10,000 years ago. Finds included a stone hearth, fire pit and pot shards from Bronze Age periods (2,500 to 1,000BC) and others from the Mesolithic Age (10,000 to 4,000BC) Martin Papworth, from the National Trust, said: "Although it's a stunning coastal site now, 6,000 to 8,000 years ago this area would have been over a mile inland. To find ancient pottery decorated with fingernail impressions and touch them with one's own hand, that's real contact with the past Martin Papworth, National Trust "The Mesolithic people who lived on top of Doghouse hill would have pre-dated farming, so would have been hunter-gatherers using these flints to work hides, cut meat and scrape fat from animal skins. "After millennia of erosion, it's at risk of disappearing into the sea itself."
0
0
The watering well. Man made well with rocks and piping, I imagine that this is a watering spot for the wildlife in the area. mainly deer. clear and clean water.
0
0
Thorncombe Beacon is a hill between Bridport and Charmouth in Dorset, England. It lies about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) west of Eype Mouth and 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) east of Seatown. It is in the south-west part of Symondsbury parish close to the parish of Chideock. It is 157 metres (515 ft) high, compared to 191 metres (627 ft) for Golden Cap which lies about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) to the west. It forms part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site and the South West Coast Path and the Monarch's Way skirt the hilltop. The hill is owned by the National Trust. Three bowl barrows to the north-east of the summit constitute a scheduled monument. In 1588, a chain of beacons was built along the south coast to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada, which had been sighted off Plymouth, and Thorncombe Beacon was one of these.
1
0
3 little things to see on this section. A Smugglers song by Rudyard Kipling IF you wake at midnight, and hear a horse's feet, Don't go drawing back the blind, or looking in the street, Them that ask no questions isn't told a lie. Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by. Five and twenty ponies, Trotting through the dark - Brandy for the Parson, 'Baccy for the Clerk. Laces for a lady; letters for a spy, Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by! Running round the woodlump if you chance to find Little barrels, roped and tarred, all full of brandy-wine, Don't you shout to come and look, nor use 'em for your play. Put the brishwood back again - and they'll be gone next day ! If you see the stable-door setting open wide; If you see a tired horse lying down inside; If your mother mends a coat cut about and tore; If the lining's wet and warm - don't you ask no more ! If you meet King George's men, dressed in blue and red, You be careful what you say, and mindful what is said. If they call you " pretty maid," and chuck you 'neath the chin, Don't you tell where no one is, nor yet where no one's been ! Knocks and footsteps round the house - whistles after dark - You've no call for running out till the house-dogs bark. Trusty's here, and Pincher's here, and see how dumb they lie They don't fret to follow when the Gentlemen go by ! 'If You do as you've been told, 'likely there's a chance, You'll be give a dainty doll, all the way from France, With a cap of Valenciennes, and a velvet hood - A present from the Gentlemen, along 'o being good ! Five and twenty ponies, Trotting through the dark - Brandy for the Parson, 'Baccy for the Clerk. Them that asks no questions isn't told a lie - Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by !
2
0
The highest point on England's south coast, the views are well worth the climb to the top
2
0
The Powerstock area is known for its distinctive 'Powerstock Hills,' which are small, conical hills offering rewarding experiences. Notable peaks include Golden Cap Summit, the highest point on the South Coast with extensive views over Lyme Bay. Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point is the second highest point in Dorset, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Eggardon Hill, while not listed as a komoot highlight here, is a prominent feature with an Iron Age hillfort and expansive views of the Dorset countryside.
Yes, several peaks in the area boast rich history. Eggardon Hill is home to a 14-hectare Iron Age hillfort at its summit. Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point also features an Iron Age fort, where archaeologists have found flint tools dating back 10,000 years. Doghouse Hill has archaeological finds suggesting human settlement up to 10,000 years ago, including a stone hearth and pot shards from the Mesolithic and Bronze Ages.
The largely open hilltops around Powerstock offer impressive and expansive panoramic views of the Dorset countryside. From Golden Cap Summit, you can see over Lyme Bay to Dartmoor and the Isle of Portland. Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point provides fine views over the rolling Dorset countryside, including Golden Cap, Marshwood Vale, and the ocean in clear conditions. Colmer's Hill offers breathtaking views over the Marshwood Vale.
Yes, the area offers hills suitable for various skill levels. Mangerton Hill and Knight's Hill are described as gentle hills that provide achievable goals for hikers. For a specific route, the 'Eggardon Hill loop' is an easy hiking trail around Eggardon Hill, perfect for a family outing. You can find more options in the Hiking around Powerstock guide.
The Powerstock area is ideal for walking, hiking, and exploring nature. Beyond hiking, you can find various outdoor activities. For mountain biking, explore routes like 'Powerstock Common Brick Kiln – Old Bridport Railway Line loop' in the MTB Trails around Powerstock guide. Running enthusiasts can find trails such as 'Watton Hill loop from Bridport' in the Running Trails around Powerstock guide.
The Powerstock area is known for its verdant woodlands and tranquil scenery, making it beautiful throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer lush landscapes and generally milder weather for hiking. Autumn provides stunning foliage. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, as well as shorter daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Beyond the panoramic views, the Powerstock hills are characterized by their distinctive conical shapes and the contrast between dark woodlands and open skies. Powerstock Common features ancient woodlands and heathland. The area also has diverse habitats influenced by varying soil types. Colmer's Hill is particularly distinctive with its pine trees on an otherwise bare summit.
While specific establishments within Powerstock village are not detailed here, the broader area around the hills offers amenities. For example, near Colmer's Hill, you can find a nice cafe at the Symondsbury Estate. Exploring nearby villages and towns will likely reveal more options for refreshments after your walk.
The Powerstock area is noted for its strong character, rich natural splendor, and intimate river valleys. The complex network of narrow, winding lanes contributes to the tranquil and undeveloped character of the landscape, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful outdoor experiences away from crowds.
While popularity can vary, exploring the lesser-known paths around hills like Drackenorth, Mangerton Hill, and Knight's Hill might offer a more secluded experience compared to the more prominent Eggardon Hill. The overall tranquil nature of the Powerstock Hills region suggests that many trails provide a peaceful escape, especially outside of peak tourist times.
Thorncombe Beacon is a historical site known for its connection to the Spanish Armada, as it was part of a chain of beacons in 1588. It's also associated with local smuggling history, famously referenced in Rudyard Kipling's 'A Smuggler's Song'. The hill is part of the Jurassic Coast and offers views along the South West Coast Path.


See even more amazing summits around Powerstock with these guides: