According to the Charter of Cerne Abbey in 987, this area was known by the name of Aeschere, but the hill was later named Sigismund's Berg by the Viking chief Sigismund, when he saw the beacon on the hill's summit. The name Symondsbury is a corruption of the earlier Sigismund's Berg (Berg being Norwegian for Hill), which is now the name of the nearby village. The name Colmer's was given to the hill much later in the 19th century; named after the Reverend John Colmer, who was the landowner and local rector of Symondsbury from 1805-06. The trees on the summit were planted during the first world war.
These photos were taken from Quarr Lane, which is situated on the opposite side of the hill to the village. As the name suggests, there was once a quarry nearby.
An iconic Dorset hill, it's very prominent for miles around. It has the look of a tumulus, but I haven't come across anything to suggest that, and it isn't marked as one on the OS map. However, I wouldn't be at all surprised, as you can't walk very far in West Dorset without tripping over one!
Near to the top of Quarr lane, the sun obliged by lighting up the gorgeous coppery colour of the Autumnal bracken which covers the hillside. Even when the sun's behind cloud it's still a stunning sight!
Colmers hill cannot be seen halfway along Quarr Lane, but it was still a lovely view on this late October day.
I only managed to take these four photos as it was a quick stop while in a visiting friend's car. The plan was to revisit at some point and take photos from the other side, and explore the area further, but that's easier said than done as I don't drive and it's not easy to get to on public transport. A little bribery of another friend might be attempted! ;)
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