Residents are calling for improvements to Langdon Hill path

They say the Langdon Hill woodland walk leading to beauty spot Golden Cap is now 'unstable' and 'dangerous' due to 'big' stones put down when it was resurfaced.

The area is owned by the National Trust and recently underwent improvement work including topping the existing woodland track with new stone, re-profiling the tracks to improve drainage and widening them to their original width.

The project was designed to improve access for visitors, particularly for those in wheelchairs, off-road mobility scooters and pushchairs.

However, members of the community have called it "unstable" and "dangerous" due to the bumpy stones on the pathway. 

Stones currently on the pathway on Langdon Hill (Image: Supplied) Elaine Wells, from Bridport, regularly takes her dog on walks in that area. She says the new path is not suitable and is worried that children and dogs may end up slipping. 

She said:  “They’ve put this new surface down and everyone I’ve come across has said they struggle to use it.

“Owners have said their dogs have either hurt their foot on the sharp rocks or can’t walk on it at all. My own dog won’t walk on it and normally he likes to go off running into the trees.

"It’s a real shame as it’s a beautiful spot with lovely views. It's really dangerous not just to dogs but to children who like to run and play, who will have to go onto unstable and slippery ground."

Elaine Wells at Sugarloaf mountain in Wales (Image: Elaine Wells)

A resident of Bridport, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed that this walk is "very uncomfortable" and shared how she has seen people with mobility issues struggle to navigate over the stones.

She said: "They said they're making it more accessible but they've actually done the opposite.

"It's a shame because it's my favourite place of walking but the new pathway is not pleasant at all. 

"The big stones are really uncomfortable for people to walk on and not good for dogs.

“There was a lady trying to push a mobility walker and was really struggling."

The National Trust confirmed that works would continue to improve the surface of the footpath to make it easier for visitors to access.

A spokesperson said: "Earlier this year the woodland tracks at Langdon Wood were upgraded to support access for woodland management as part of our bigger ambition to deliver more for nature on our land, and to secure a future for the woodland to mitigate against the impacts of climate change.  

Langdon Hill near Chideock (Image: Supplied) "Starting on September 30, we will begin the next phase of woodland management in the wood.

"This phase will include reinstatement work along sections of the track to improve the surface of the footpath.

"Vehicle movements over the track will help to compact the footpath surface further, improving access for visitors. 

"Our work also includes removing some trees and replanting areas with different types of tree species. This will make sure there’s a variety of younger trees growing up to become the next generation of woodland.

"A natural woodland with an uneven age structure and a mixture of tree species will help the existing flora and fauna to thrive, supporting the woodland to become more resilient to the challenges of a changing climate. "

Langdon car park and walks will be closed for 8 weeks from September 30 whilst the work takes place.

The nearest parking to access Golden Cap is Stonebarrow Hill.