Creech Barrow Hill

Creech Barrow Hill is a steep, conical hill, 193 metres (633 ft)[2] (one source 637 feet[3]) high, near the coast of Dorset, England, and the highest point of the Dorset Heaths.[4][5] It has been described as "one of Dorset's most distinctive landmarks."[3] Geologically, it is also the highest Cenozoic hill in England.[6]

Creech Barrow Hill
Creech Barrow Hill seen from the area of Stonehill Down to the south
Highest point
Elevation193 m (633 ft)[1]
Prominence38 m (125 ft)[1]
Parent peakSwyre Head[1]
ListingTump
Coordinates50°38′29.48″N 2°6′37.16″W
Geography
LocationDorset, England
Parent rangeDorset Heaths
OS gridSY921823
Topo mapOS Landranger 195
Geology
Mountain typeCenozoic
Creech Barrow Hill seen from the north

There is a single, round barrow at the summit that gives Creech Barrow Hill its name and, from some angles, the appearance of a double summit.[3] To the southeast is Stone Hill Down long barrow.[7] There is also a trig point on the summit.[2]

The name of the hill means "hill" three times. "Creech" is derived from the Celtic crich = hill and "barrow" from the Saxon for "mound".[8]

The hill is a classic viewpoint that was once the site of King John's hunting lodge.[8]

References
  1. Prominence from Summit Listings by Relative Height by Mark Jackson, compiled by Jonathan de Ferranti. Accessed on 4 May 2013.
  2. Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger series, no. 195.
  3. The Purbeck 'volcano' at www.dorsetlife.co.uk. Accessed on 10 Apr 2013.
  4. Dorset Heaths - Natural Area Profile, by English Nature, Oct 1997, at www.naturalareas.naturalengland.org.uk. Accessed on 3 Apr 2013.
  5. Natural England's NCA profile gives the highest point of the Dorset Heaths as only 174 m, despite including Creech Barrow Hill within the boundary of the NCA.
  6. NCA 135: Dorset Heaths - Key Facts & Data at www.naturalengland.org.uk. Accessed on 10 Apr 2013.
  7. Creech Barrow at www.themodernantiquarian.com. Accessed on 10 Apr 2013.
  8. East Creech at www.dorsetlife.co.uk. Accessed on 10 Apr 2013.


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