Great British Walks – Lambert’s Castle & Coney’s Castle

  Where to go camping

You will enjoy wonderful views over a beautiful valley on this walk near Charmouth on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast. The walk takes in the ancient hill forts of Lambert’s Castle and Coney’s Castle.

Follow this guide to plan your walk. We've included details on how long it should take you to complete, where to park, and some places to stop for food and drink along the way.

We've also included a recommendation of where to stay if you're looking to book a pitch nearby and spend more time in this area.

Route Description

Lambert’s Castle is an Iron Age hill fort at the top of a hill that enjoys tremendous overlooking the Marshwood Vale.

The walk begins at the National Trust car park and immediately heads to the site of the 2,500-year-old castle, where you can spend some time having a look around and appreciating its fascinating past.

As well as its ancient history, a fair was held here between 1709 and 1947, and there was also a horse racing track, which now forms part of the footpath. The site was also part of a chain of signal posts from Plymouth to London, set up to warn of a French invasion during the Napoleonic wars.

The area is rich in wildlife including such exotically named creatures as treecreepers, yellowhammers and willow warblers. In spring bluebells carpet the woods and surprisingly have also taken over a few of the open fields on the eastern slopes. Lambert’s Castle is also one of two places in the local area where the elusive nightjar can be heard on long summer evenings.

As you move on from the fort, the views across the Marshwood Vale out towards the coast are stunning on a good day. If it’s particularly clear, it’s even possible to see a golden slither of sand at Charmouth far off in the distance. 

After leaving Lambert’s Castle, pick up the Wessex Ridgeway and head south to Coney’s Castle, another ancient fort. Unusually, its ramparts enclose two separate areas, possibly indicating it was a larger hill fort reduced in size or a smaller hill fort extended.

Picture Richard Dorrell/Creative Commons Licence

Leave the fort and follow the beech trees to your right before joining the track at the end and turning right. Carry on along the track then take the road into the hamlet of Fishpond Bottom. Pass the tiny church on the left then stop at the tranquil pond on the right for a moment’s reflection.

Soon after, veer off onto the footpath on the right and carry on to Lambert’s Common and eventually back to the car park where you started. On the drive back to your overnight accomodation make a stop at the Shaves Cross Inn for a deserved lunch or supper.

PLAN YOUR WALK

Route Begin at Lambert’s Castle before joining the Wessex Ridgeway and heading south to Coney’s Castle. Then on to Fishpond Bottom and back to the car park

Distance 5 miles

Time 2 hours

Terrain A variety of terrain including common ground grazed by cattle, tracks, beech woods, fields and quiet lanes

Difficulty Moderate

Parking Use the National Trust car park at Lambert’s Castle

MUST SEE

Lambert’s Castle is the site of an Iron Age hill fort constructed by a local tribe some 2,500 years ago. The ditch and bank are prominent as you approach the western entrance of the site.

FOOD AND DRINK

The Shave Cross Inn, Marshwood Vale
shavecrossinn.co.uk

Five Bells Inn, Whitchurch Canonicorum
facebook.com/TheFiveBellsInn

WHERE TO STAY

MONKTON WYLD HOLIDAY PARK
The park is three miles from the seaside towns of Lyme Regis and Charmouth. A mix of hardstanding, grass and surfaced pitches (suitable for tents as well as all other units) most with 16 amp electric. Some pitches can accommodate the largest RVs. Summer camping field. The park is divided into separate areas by hedges so you never feel “one of the crowd”. Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence & Loo of the Year Platinum award.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Close to Jurassic Coast, new luxury facilities, rural site

LOCATION
Scott’s Lane, Charmouth, Dorset DT6 6DB

OPEN 15 MARCH - 11 NOVEMBER
Price on application

EAT & DRINK
Shop on site and a village pub nearby.

FACILITIES
• The park has a countryside location on the Dorset/Devon border
• Parking by pitches
• Electric hook ups
• Extensive shower blocks with cubicle washbasins
• Comprehensive laundry facilities
• Disabled and family rooms
• WiFi available
• Motorhome waste empty point
• Accepts tents, caravans and motorhomes

FOR MORE INFORMATION
01297 808 354
monktonwyld.co.uk
[email protected]

Picture Richard Dorrell/Creative Commons Licence

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