Walk · Dorset

The Cerne Giant and Giant Hill

Cerne Abbas
N 440 YD
3.4MILES
2hON FOOT
190mCLIMB
CircularSHAPE
Off-road 82% 18% shares tarmac with cars
Field & moor path 62%Lane & track 20%Road with traffic 18%

Our drawing of the route — the shape of the walk, not a navigation aid. Carry OS Explorer on the hill. Off-lead information here is what walkers reported or what signage allows — never our advice. Whether and when a dog is off the lead is the owner’s decision and legal responsibility; keep dogs under control near livestock and follow signs on the day.

Starts at
Free Kettle Bridge car park, Duck Street, Cerne Abbas
Parking
Free, about 30 spaces by the stream, plus limited on-street in Long Street; full by mid-morning at weekends
Directions to the start →

A 3.4-mile loop of two hours climbing the chalk down beside the 180-foot figure, along the top of Giant Hill to the ancient earthwork of the Trendle and back down through the village and the abbey ruins, with 190 metres of steep grass climb. The turf is short and slippery when wet and there is one long pull that leaves you breathing hard. Start from the free Kettle Bridge car park on Duck Street, about thirty spaces beside the stream, which fills quickly on a fine morning; the number X11 bus from Dorchester stops in the village. Sheep and cattle graze the down, so leads on the hill, and the figure itself cannot be walked on. The Cerne stream at the bottom is clean, shallow and the best drink for miles.

THE SMALL PRINTThe National Trust grazes sheep and cattle on Giant Hill, so dogs must be on a lead on the down. Walking on the chalk figure itself is not allowed, and the fenced enclosure around it is closed to the public.

House rules, decoded

Livestock — leads on
REGION · DORSET
GRID · 50.8098, -2.4760
SOURCE · HTTPS://DORSET-NL.ORG.UK/LOCATION/CERNE-GIANT/
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Abbots is a place to eat in Cerne Abbas. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

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Emblands Cottage Oaklands Farm
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This cottage is set within the wonderful rolling West Dorset countryside well placed as a base for touring both the Somerset and Dorset countryside and coastal attractions. The local area offers plenty to see and do including The Cerne Abbas Chalk Giant Hardy s Monument Abbotsbury Tropical Gardens and Swannery West Bay (Broadchurch fame) many National Trust properties and much more. Also within easy reach are the seaside resorts and beaches of Weymouth Swanage and Studland Chesil Beach Charmouth and Lyme Regis. The cottage is conveniently located just half a mile away from the village of Halstock with its quintessential church and village shop and is also close to the historic market towns of Dorchester and Bridport which offer a wide range of amenities. Upon arrival park on the gravel area in front of the cottage and enter the property through the oak porch. Doors from the hallway lead to the kitchen and the lounge/diner. The kitchen has everything you require for your holiday home cooking requirements and is well-equipped with an electric oven and hob microwave dishwasher fridge/freezer and washing machine. The light and airy lounge/dining area has stylish furnishings and a Smart TV this room is a perfect place to relax after a day s adventures. French doors lead out from the lounge to the south facing conservatory which overlooks the enclosed patio and enjoys far reaching rural views over the farm land and beyond making it a lovely spot to unwind in. From the hallway stairs lead up to the first floor where you will find the bedrooms consisting of one double and one king-size both overlooking the rear garden. Completing the cosy feel running throughout is the family bathroom with a shower over the bath and WC also on the first floor. Heading outside there is an enclosed patio area with a BBQ upon request and garden furniture ideal for some al fresco dining. There is off-road parking for two cars. Need to know: 2 bedrooms 1 king size and 1 double. 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC. Kitchen electric oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washing machine. Smart TV in lounge area. Selection of books and games available. During the lambing season guests are invited to see the newborn lambs by arrangement with the owner. 1 dog welcome (please note dogs are not permitted upstairs, a stairgate is provided) and must be kept under strict control when outside of the property due to livestock on the farm. Charcoal BBQ available on request. Off road parking for 2 cars. Village shop 0.5 mile. Pub 2 miles. Beach 15 miles.

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Royal Oak

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Royal Oak is a pub in Cerne Abbas. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

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