Our verdict
A good, quieter way onto the Fontmell and Melbury Downs estate if you're coming from the east rather than the main Spread Eagle Hill car park. Dogs on a lead — sheep graze throughout.
The East Melbury side of the National Trust's Melbury Down holding, quieter than the main Fontmell Down approach but the same chalk grassland and views over the Blackmore Vale towards Shaftesbury.