Zigzag Hill - Dorset

brentbill
brentbill Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited May 2023 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Hi. I'm visiting somerset and dorset this summer and have just noticed the route is via zigzag hill south of Shaftsbury.  Has anyone any suggestions for a route from clevedon in somerset to Horton in dorset suitable for towing.   There doesn't appear to be a ban on towing on this hill, would be interested to know if anyone uses it or the best way of avoiding it without a large detour.

Comments

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176
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    edited May 2023 #2

    We live in S Somerset and would only use that route without towing. I'd suggest going into the area via Blandford Forum or Wimborne. From Clevedon, leave the M5 at junction 25 via the Yeovil, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton route to Blandford and then find a way in via the local roads.

    If you prefer the alternative is Yeovil, Dorchester then Blandford or Wimborne. 

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176
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    edited May 2023 #3

    I got timed out but if you want to avoid towing through Yeovil the Yeovil/Dorchester route is easier than the Yeovil/Sherborne route.

  • RedKite
    RedKite Club Member Posts: 1,735
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    edited May 2023 #4

    Agree with your routes brue we have been up and down the zig zag route but not with a caravan.

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,773
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    edited May 2023 #5

    Just looked at Zig Zag Hill on Google maps!  Whilst I know Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire, very well - and I know caravans are banned from using it - I would quite happily take my 8.1m, 8' wide, 2 tonne van up there - but Zig Zag Hill - no way!!!frown

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited May 2023 #6
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  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176
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    edited May 2023 #7

    It's not just the hill it's the onward run which is not the easiest for access.

  • Unknown
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    edited May 2023 #8
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  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176
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    edited May 2023 #9

    My Cranborne ancestors would be willing to challenge that...wink

     Anyway I hope the OP has a safe journey and a good Dorest holiday.smile

     

     

  • Unknown
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    edited May 2023 #10
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  • brentbill
    brentbill Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2023 #11

    Thanks for the advice  everyone  re alternative  routes. Good point about rwd. My old Morris marina would pull a van up a steep wet grass slope that no fwd will. Will definitely have a look at the hill solo. Thanks again.

  • N1805
    N1805 Forum Participant Posts: 1,092
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    edited May 2023 #12

    brentbill – just for info in case you decide to use route slightly west of Zig Zag through Melbury Abbas (Dinah’s Hollow} It has tight narrow corners where vehicles have become jammed even though it has traffic lights and has now been worked on.  The rest of that road is good to Blandford Forum.  Personally, for towing, I would use A350 between Shaftsbury and Blandford Forum especially at busy times of day. You can Google Dinah’s Hollow, Melbury Abbas for info.

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