Our verdict
Excellent, wide-open downland walking that links naturally with Fontmell Down and Compton Down for a longer route. Dogs on a lead, since sheep graze throughout and it's prime ground-nesting bird habitat March to July.
Chalk downland continuing north from Fontmell Down towards Melbury Hill and Compton Down, part of the National Trust's Fontmell and Melbury Downs estate — at 293 hectares, the largest contiguous block of chalk grassland the Trust owns. Glow-worms are a summer highlight on the walk north towards Melbury Hill.