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Photo: Mike Searle · CC BY-SA 2.0
Near Shaftesbury · CRoW

Compton Down

Our verdict

A good northern extension to the Fontmell/Melbury Down walks with real wildlife interest if you're into butterflies. Steep and sometimes slippery underfoot after rain, and dogs need to be on a lead for the grazing sheep.

Chalk downland north of Melbury Hill towards Shaftesbury, part of the wider National Trust Fontmell and Melbury Downs landscape. Notable for its butterflies — Marsh Fritillary, Small Blue, Dingy and Grizzled Skipper and Adonis Blue have all been recorded — and for good glow-worm displays in June and July.

Where it is