Some of the best views in Purbeck!

Stonehill Down Nature Reserve is located high on the Purbeck Hills on a chalk ridgeway and boasts absolutely stunning views across Purbeck and Dorset.

The site is a nature reserve, managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Situated high up on the chalk ridge running from east to west over the Isle of Purbeck, Stonehill Down is located two miles west of Corfe Castle. If you climb to the top of the hill you will be rewarded with beautiful, far reaching views towards Poole Harbour as well as Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Nature Reserve

The reserve is covered in short grassy turn that is regularly grazed by cattle in the summer months. You may also spot many wildflowers, bees and butterflies and many other insects in the grass areas and verges. The woodland areas of the reserve is a mixture of ash, maple and hazel, all of which have been coppiced in the past. There are also a scattering of oaks, a few sycamores and the occasional sweet chestnut. You may also be lucky enough to spot a deer, fox, badger or even a dormouse!

Creech Barrow Hill

At the top of the hill you can also get a good view of Creech Barrow Hill, one of Dorset’s most distinctive landmarks. The name actually means hill three times over with ‘Creech’ being the Celtic word for hill and ‘barrow’ the Saxon for mound!

As well as being an ancient Bronze age barrow the hill is also believed to be the site of King John’s hunting lodge.  There is a pathway through the gate and over the road to Creech Barrow although it tends to be overgrown and is steep in some places. The view from the top is extensive and far, reaching on a clear day.

Walks at Stonehill Down

There are walking trails through the reserve but you will find steep slopes across Stonehill Down. Alternatively the map shows a five kilometre circular walk starting at the entrance to Kilwood nature reserve, up onto the Purbeck Way and back down through Stonehill Down.

Free entry and roadside parking: There is limited roadside parking at this reserve – please park carefully.

Dorset Wildlife Trust

Dorset Wildlife Trust is a local conservation charity, dedicated to making space for nature. They manages 40 nature reserves and four visitor centres across Dorset. For more information about Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, please visit their website.