Mountain peaks around Bridport, though often referred to as hills, are prominent elevated areas that offer extensive views and rewarding walks. The region features several significant high points, including the highest point on the South Coast of Great Britain. These locations are known for their distinctive geological features, historical significance, and panoramic vistas over the Dorset countryside and Jurassic Coast. The area provides diverse landscapes for outdoor activities and exploration.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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 !
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The highest point on England's south coast, the views are well worth the climb to the top
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The summit of this hill represents the second highest point in Dorset, and from here, you'll have breathtaking panoramic views. At the top, there was an Iron Age hillfort, which was excavated in the mid-20th century.
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The most popular peak is Golden Cap Summit, which is the highest point on the South Coast. Other highly regarded peaks include Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point, known for its Iron Age fort and expansive views, and Doghouse Hill, which offers stunning views and evidence of ancient settlements.
You can expect to see diverse natural features. Golden Cap is famous for its distinctive deep orange sandstone cliffs and panoramic coastal views. Colmer's Hill is recognizable by its unique conical shape and the cluster of pine trees at its summit. Many peaks offer breathtaking vistas of the rolling Dorset countryside, the Jurassic Coast, and Lyme Bay.
Several peaks boast significant historical interest. Pilsdon Pen features an Iron Age fort, with archaeological finds dating back 10,000 years. Doghouse Hill is believed to have been settled in the Mesolithic period. Thorncombe Beacon was part of a chain of beacons in 1588 to warn of the Spanish Armada and has bowl barrows near its summit.
The peaks around Bridport offer rewarding experiences year-round. Spring and summer provide warmer weather and vibrant landscapes, ideal for long walks and enjoying the views. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the countryside, while winter offers crisp air and clear visibility, though paths can be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, many of the hills around Bridport offer accessible paths suitable for families. While some ascents can be challenging, there are often gentler routes or shorter walks available. For example, the walk to Colmer's Hill from Symondsbury Estate is relatively short and rewarding, with interesting animals at the start for youngsters. Always check the specific trail difficulty before setting out with children.
Most of the peaks and their surrounding trails are dog-friendly, offering fantastic opportunities for walks with your canine companion. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, cliff edges, and during ground-nesting bird seasons. Be mindful of other walkers and wildlife.
The walks vary in difficulty. Peaks like Golden Cap Summit and Doghouse Hill are generally considered intermediate to challenging due to their climbs. Colmer's Hill involves a steep climb but is relatively short. Many routes offer rewarding views that make the effort worthwhile. Always wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for varied terrain.
Parking is available at various points near the peaks. For Colmer's Hill, parking is available at the Symondsbury Estate car park. For Golden Cap, coastal footpaths are accessible from Seatown, where parking is available. It's advisable to check specific access points and parking facilities for each peak before your visit.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments near many of the peaks. The Symondsbury Estate, near Colmer's Hill, has a cafe. Coastal villages like Seatown, near Golden Cap, often have pubs or cafes. Bridport itself offers a wider selection of eateries. It's a good idea to plan your route to include a stop for food and drink.
Beyond hiking to the summits, the area around Bridport's peaks offers a range of outdoor activities. You can explore various easy hikes, go cycling, or tackle mountain biking trails. The Jurassic Coast also provides opportunities for fossil hunting and enjoying the beaches.
Golden Cap is special because it is the highest point on the South Coast of Great Britain, standing at 191 meters (627 ft). Its distinctive flat-topped shape and deep orange sandstone cliffs make it a prominent landmark. From its summit, you get breathtaking panoramic views across Lyme Bay, extending to Dartmoor and the Isle of Portland on a clear day.
Colmer's Hill is unique for its fantastically distinctive, conical shape and the cluster of pine trees at its otherwise bare summit. Rising 417 feet above the village of Symondsbury, it's an iconic landmark in West Dorset, inspiring local artists and photographers, and offers panoramic vistas of the idyllic villages and rolling Dorset hills.
At Pilsdon Pen, you can expect to see an impressive Iron Age fort atop the hill, a testament to thousands of years of human activity. The summit, which is the second highest point in Dorset, provides extensive views over the rolling Dorset countryside, including glimpses of Golden Cap, Marshwood Vale, the ocean, Exmoor, and the Quantocks.


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