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United Kingdom
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West Dorset

Charmouth

The 11 Most Amazing Peaks around Charmouth

Best mountain peaks around Charmouth are characterized by the dramatic cliffs and hills of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque coastal village in Dorset, England, offers elevated features that provide peak-like experiences. The landscape is defined by significant points such as Golden Cap and Thorncombe Beacon, alongside Stonebarrow Hill, offering diverse hiking routes near Charmouth. These elevated points provide expansive views and rich geological history.

Best mountain peaks around Charmouth

  • The most popular mountain peaks is…

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Golden Cap Summit

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Standing at 626 feet (191 m), Golden Cap is the highest point on the South Coast. From the cliff, you are afforded utterly breathtaking views over Lyme Bay to Dartmoor and ahead to the Isle of Portland.

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Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point

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Pilsdon Pen affords fine views over the rolling Dorset countryside. In clear conditions, you can see Golden Cap, Marshwood Vale, and the ocean to the south, Exmoor and the Quantocks …

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Doghouse Hill

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Very nice hiking trail with a great view. It is believed that this area was already settled in the Mesolithic. However, 6,000 to 8,000 years ago, the residents of that …

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Colmer's Hill

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Colmer's Hill is a fantastically distinctive, conical hill in the west of Dorset. It rises above the stunning Symondsbury Estate and makes for an excellent objective on a walk in …

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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, …

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Monarch's Way: Part 3 — Conquer the longest inland trail in England

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Monarch's Way: Part 3 — Conquer the longest inland trail in England

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Tips from the Community

MCW73
September 8, 2024, Golden Cap Summit

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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MCW73
September 8, 2024, Doghouse Hill

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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Well worth the climb to the top

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most notable elevated points around Charmouth?

Charmouth's landscape is defined by dramatic cliffs and hills rather than traditional mountain peaks. The most significant elevated points offering 'peak-like' experiences include Golden Cap Summit, the highest point on the South Coast, Thorncombe Beacon, and Stonebarrow Hill. Other notable summits include Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point and Doghouse Hill.

What kind of views can I expect from these elevated points?

From Golden Cap Summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Lyme Bay, extending as far as Dartmoor and the Isle of Portland on a clear day. Thorncombe Beacon offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Jurassic coastline. Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point provides expansive views over the rolling Dorset countryside, including Golden Cap and the ocean.

Are there historical or archaeological sites on these peaks?

Yes, several peaks have rich historical significance. Doghouse Hill is believed to have been settled up to 10,000 years ago, with finds including a stone hearth and pottery from the Bronze Age. Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point features an Iron Age fort. Thorncombe Beacon was part of a chain of beacons used in 1588 to warn of the Spanish Armada, and has Bronze Age burial mounds nearby.

What are the best hiking trails around Charmouth's peaks?

The area offers a variety of hiking experiences. A popular coastal footpath leads to Golden Cap Summit from Seatown, taking approximately 40 minutes. Many walks to Golden Cap also start from Charmouth. The South West Coast Path skirts Thorncombe Beacon, and Stonebarrow Hill serves as a good starting point for walks, including an easier version of the Golden Cap walk. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Charmouth guide.

Are there family-friendly or easy walks suitable for beginners?

Yes, Stonebarrow Hill offers easier walks and is a good starting point for families. The 'Smugglers Trail at Stonebarrow' is an easy 2.2 km route, and the 'Stonebarrow waymarked trail' is an even shorter 1.4 km option. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes around Charmouth guide, such as the 'Charmouth loop via the South West Coast Path'.

When is the best time to hike Golden Cap?

The area around Golden Cap offers stunning views year-round. However, for the most comfortable hiking experience, spring and autumn provide milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be beautiful but also busier. Be aware that the exposed cliffs, especially at Thorncombe Beacon, can be very windy, so wearing layers is advisable regardless of the season.

What other outdoor activities can I do near Charmouth's peaks?

Beyond hiking, the area around Charmouth offers various outdoor activities. You can explore road cycling routes like the 'Seaton Beach and Cliffs' loop, or tackle mountain biking trails such as the 'View of Pilsdon Pen' loop. The base of the cliffs, particularly near Golden Cap and Stonebarrow Hill, is also popular for fossil collecting.

Where can I park for walks to Golden Cap?

Parking for walks to Golden Cap Summit is available at Seatown, which is a common starting point for the coastal footpath ascent. Alternatively, you can often find parking options in Charmouth itself, from where longer, more strenuous walks to Golden Cap can begin.

Are the trails around Golden Cap dog-friendly?

Many trails along the Jurassic Coast, including those around Golden Cap Summit, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near cliff edges, livestock, and during bird nesting seasons. Be mindful of other walkers and ensure you clean up after your dog.

What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1743476" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colmer's Hill</a> a unique peak to visit?

Colmer's Hill is a fantastically distinctive, conical hill in west Dorset, easily recognizable by its shape and the pine trees on its otherwise bare summit. It rises above the stunning Symondsbury Estate and offers breathtaking views over the Marshwood Vale. It's often referred to as 'The Watchman of West Dorset' and provides a rewarding objective for a walk in the area.

What should I be aware of regarding safety when exploring the coastal peaks?

The Jurassic Coast is known for its dynamic landscape, including continually eroding cliffs. While exploring, always stay clear of the unstable cliff face due to frequent rockfalls and mudflows, especially at areas like Stonebarrow Hill and Black Ven. Stick to marked paths and observe any warning signs for your safety.

Are there any pubs or cafes near the peaks for refreshments?

Yes, after a walk to Golden Cap Summit, you can find refreshments in Seatown. Stonebarrow Hill also has a National Trust shop and café. Additionally, the area around Colmer's Hill, specifically the Symondsbury Estate, features a nice café and other amenities.

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See even more amazing summits around Charmouth with these guides:

AllingtonStanton St. GabrielChideockWhitchurch CanonicorumNetherburyMarshwoodSymondsburyWootton FitzpaineCatherston LewestonStoke AbbottBroadwindsorPilsdonBettiscombeBeaminsterBridportLyme RegisThorncombePowerstockBradpoleBurstockBothenhamptonLodersMappertonNorth PoortonSeaboroughBurton BradstockShipton GorgeMostertonAskerswellSwyreChilcombeToller PorcorumLitton CheneyLong BredyAbbotsburySouth PerrottPuncknowleCompton ValenceKingston RussellLittlebredyCorscombe

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