Lyscombe Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lyscombe Hill |
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View from Lyscombe Hill (at ~240m) looking south-east over Lyscombe Bottom.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 262 m (860 ft) |
| Prominence | 100 m (330 ft) |
| Parent peak | Telegraph Hill |
| Listing | HuMP |
| Geography | |
| Location | Dorset, England |
| Parent range | Dorset Downs |
| OS grid | ST738029 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger No. 194 Explorer No. 117E |
Lyscombe Hill is a lovely hill located in the county of Dorset, England. It stands about 14 kilometers (9 miles) north-northeast of the town of Dorchester. This hill is part of the beautiful Dorset Downs, a range of chalk hills that stretch across the county.
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What is Lyscombe Hill?
Lyscombe Hill reaches a height of 262 meters (860 feet) above sea level. It is known as a "HuMP," which stands for "Hundred Metre Prominence." This means the hill rises at least 100 meters (328 feet) from the land around it. It's a significant point in the local landscape.
Where is it Located?
The hill is found near a small place called Melcombe Bingham. Its location makes it a great spot to explore the countryside of Dorset. The area around Lyscombe Hill is peaceful and offers wide views.
How High is it?
Lyscombe Hill's summit is 262 meters (860 feet) high. This makes it one of the notable hills in the Dorset Downs. Its prominence of 100 meters means it stands out clearly from the surrounding terrain.
History and Ancient Sites
The area around Lyscombe Hill has a long and interesting history. People have lived here for thousands of years. There is strong evidence of ancient settlements and activities. These include old earthworks and burial sites.
Iron Age Hillforts
Near the top of Lyscombe Hill, you can find signs of an Iron Age hillfort. This ancient fort is called Nettlecombe Tout and is 258 meters (846 feet) high. Hillforts were fortified settlements built by people during the Iron Age (around 800 BC to 100 AD). They were often built on high ground for defense. These forts usually had large earth banks and ditches to protect the community inside.
Ancient Burials and Earthworks
Besides the hillfort, there are other ancient features in the area. These include tumuli and dykes. Tumuli are ancient burial mounds, often shaped like large earth bumps. Dykes are long earth banks or ditches. These structures show how people lived and buried their dead many centuries ago. They give us clues about the past.
Nearby Places to Explore
Lyscombe Hill is part of a larger network of hills in the Dorset Downs. To the west, you can find Ball Hill. To the east, there is a well-known spot called the Dorsetshire Gap. This gap is a historic crossroads for old tracks and paths. Exploring these nearby places can give you a better understanding of the local geography.
