Maiden Castle and the South Dorset Ridgeway
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Join us for a circular walk near Dorchester that includes Maiden Castle, a length of the South Dorset Ridgeway and the Hardy Monument! The route is 11.5 miles / 18.5 kilometres, with 430 metres of ascent. This walk is associated with an ODL hostel event on the Isle of Portland, but local ODL members who are not on the hostel event are welcome to join this walk.
Maiden Castle is the largest and most impressive Iron Age hillfort in Britain, covering an area bigger than 50 football pitches. Work on the complex defensive site began about 2,400 years ago and continued for 300 years. When it was first built, the gleaming white chalk ramparts would have towered over the surrounding landscape. At the hillfort’s peak of development, hundreds of people lived there in a settlement of thatched buildings. Many had central hearths for cooking, warmth and light.
The South Dorset Ridgeway is part of the South West Coast Path National Trail and was the original route until a lower level path was created. It now provides an alternative, higher level, route with great views of the Jurassic Coast and also of the inland scenery of river valleys and chalk downland. This landscape was well known to the author Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) who used it as the background to several of his novels.
The highpoint of today’s walk is the impressive Hardy Monument, built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Captain of HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Hardy is remembered because, amongst other things, it was in his arms that Nelson died, saying the immortal words ‘Kiss me, Hardy’.
The Hardy Monument is a stone tower, built on the summit of Black Down and designed to look like a spyglass, which Admiral Hardy would have used on board ship. It is 22 metres / 72 feet high and may be open for us to climb its 120 steps when we pass by. On a clear day you can see Devon and the the Isle of Wight, both of which are around 40 miles / 65 kilometres away, and to the north Pen Hill in the Mendip Hills, which is a similar distance away.
Dogs: well-behaved dogs are welcome on the walk, but must be under close control at all times and on a lead in the vicinity of livestock or where wildlife may be disturbed.
Waitlist: if this event is fully booked and you want to join us, add yourself to the wait list because places usually become available closer to the event date.
Photo credits: all photos courtesy of Geograph and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. South Dorset Ridgeway path sign © Copyright Chris Gunns; Maiden Castle © Copyright Ian Capper; South Dorset Ridgeway © Copyright Malc McDonald; Hardy Monument © Copyright Mike Searle; South Dorset Ridgeway © Copyright Malc McDonald.
What to bring
The right kit makes a good day out more likely, despite the weather:
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for sunny days, even in winter. Sun cream: to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab.
Water and other fluid: bring at least a litre, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink (in cooler weather) is recommended.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is a good idea.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water or other fluids (one to two litres) to drink. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink (in cooler weather) is recommended.