Compton Abbas - Melbury & Fontmell Downs

Route Information

Flights: 1 hour 30 minutes (TBC)
Walk length: 5 miles (TBC)
Walk time: 3 hours (TBC)

Melbury and Fontmell Downs were bought by the National Trust in memory of English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels of the Blackmore Vale are set. Enjoy a 360º view of the Blackmore Vale, Vale of Wardour and Shaftesbury from the top of Melbury Beacon, plus an open expanse of flowery downland, excellent butterfly populations and more magnificent views on Fontmell Down.

Airfield

Compton Abbas airfield, situated about 2.7 miles south of Shaftesbury, is one of the highest airfields in England at 812 ft ASL. The airfield was started by the Shaftesbury Flying Club in May 1962 and, during the following 15 years, the site was gradually developed into an attractive GA airfield with good facilities.The Compton Cafe offers a great combination of food and atmosphere with beautiful views over the runway. PPR essential.

RADIO FREQUENCY: 122.710Mhz
Landing Fee: £10 (microlight)

Links

Compton Abbas Airfield  
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Viewranger Route  
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Melbury & Fontmell Downs  
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NT Melbury Beacon Walk  
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NT Fontmell Down Walk

Walking Route

The main 5.5 mile walk starts with an ascent of Melbury Beacon, a stroll down through the village of Compton Abbas, and a lovely walk back up to the airfield through Fontmell Down Nature Reserve. Two shorter alternatives are available on the National Trust website (see the NT links).

To join the National Trust walks: Leave the airfield via the main entrance, turning right into the lane. Follow the lane, taking the right-hand fork to Spread Eagle Hill road. Cross over the main road, turning right onto the footpath beside the road to the Car Park for the Fontmell Down Nature Reserve, where the National Trust walks both begin.