Creech Barrow Hill | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 193 m (633 ft)[1] |
Prominence | 38 m (125 ft)[1] |
Parent peak | Swyre Head[1] |
Listing | Tump |
Coordinates | 50°38′29.48″N 2°6′37.16″W / 50.6415222°N 2.1103222°W |
Geography | |
Location | Dorset, England |
Parent range | Dorset Heaths |
OS grid | SY921823 |
Topo map | OS Landranger 195 |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Cenozoic |
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]
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]