Black Down, Dorset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Down |
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Black Down and the Hardy Monument
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 242 m (794 ft) |
| Prominence | 78 m (256 ft) |
| Parent peak | Lewesdon Hill |
| Listing | Tump (hill) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Dorset, England |
| Parent range | South Dorset Downs |
| OS grid | SY611876 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 194 |
Black Down is a cool hill located in Dorset, England. It's part of the South Dorset Ridgeway, which is a long path along the top of hills. Black Down is about 2 kilometers (a little over a mile) north-northeast of a village called Portesham and around 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) from the coast.
This hill is a fantastic spot because its top has no trees, offering wide-open views. It's a popular place for people to visit and enjoy the scenery.
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Exploring Black Down Hill
Black Down is a special place in Dorset, known for its history and amazing views. It's a great example of the beautiful countryside you can find in England.
The Hardy Monument
At the very top of Black Down, you'll see a tall stone tower called the Hardy Monument. This monument is 72 feet (about 22 meters) high and was built way back in 1844. It was made to remember a very important person named Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy. He was a famous naval officer who served with Admiral Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar. Admiral Nelson was a legendary British naval commander, and Sir Thomas Hardy was his Flag Captain, meaning he was in charge of Nelson's main ship.
Amazing Views from the Top
When you stand on top of Black Down, you can see incredible sights all around you. You can look out over the Fleet, which is a calm lagoon, and the famous Chesil Beach, a long stretch of pebbles. You can also see the rolling hills of the South Dorset Downs. On a clear day, if you look really hard, you might even spot The Needles, which are three pointy stacks of chalk rocks off the coast of the Isle of Wight. They are about 50 miles (80 kilometers) away!
Who Owns Black Down?
The land where Black Down is located is owned by the National Trust. The National Trust is a charity in the United Kingdom that works to protect and care for special places, including historic buildings, beautiful coastlines, and important natural areas, so everyone can enjoy them.
Images for kids
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Road from Martinstown to Black Down (far right)
