Black Down is a hill on the South Dorset Ridgeway about 2 kilometres north-northeast of the village of Portesham in the county of Dorset, England and around 5 kilometres from the coast.

Black Down
Black Down and the Hardy Monument
Highest point
Elevation	242 m (794 ft)[1]
Prominence	78 m (256 ft)[1]
Parent peak	Lewesdon Hill[1]
Listing	Tump (hill)
Coordinates	50.687°N 2.551°W / 50.687; -2.551
Geography
Location	Dorset, England
Parent range	South Dorset Downs
OS grid	SY611876
Topo map	OS Landranger 194

The treeless summit of Black Down is a popular viewing point, crowned by the 72 foot high Hardy Monument built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy who was Admiral Nelson's Flag Captain at the Battle of Trafalgar.[2]

From the top there are views of the Fleet and Chesil Beach as well as the South Dorset Downs.[3] On a fine day The Needles may be visible, some 50 miles away.[4]

The site is owned by the National Trust.

Gallery

• 
  Road from Martinstown to Black Down (far right)

References