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Walks in Dorset

Dorset is a walkers' paradise and offers a great variety of long and shorter walks through breathtaking scenery, whether you choose one of the Dorset walks along the stunning Jurassic Coast, or inland through the ancient woodlands and heathlands and sweeping chalk downlands. 

There are miles of well-signed and waymarked footpaths, bridleways and byways to explore!  Just pick up a map at a TIC and you will find Dorset walking tracks everywhere.

There is a huge variety of short and middle distance walks and trails around Dorset, both in the countryside and within the towns and villages.

A delightful variety of spectacular and picturesque long-distance footpaths also awaits you in Dorset. Many of the walks are inspired by the historical events which Dorset has witnessed over the centuries.

The jewell of the crown is the Dorset Coast Path which is part of the National Trail, the South West Coast Path.  The Dorset section starts at Lyme Regis and extends 138km to Poole harbour.  The walk offers spectacular views and look out for some of the area's most impressive coastal landmarks along the way, including Golden Cap (the highest point along the South coast), and Chesil Beach (a unique 17 mile pebble barrier stretching from West Bay to Portland).

You could head east and walk the Purbeck Way. The Purbeck Way leads down through an amazing variety of landscapes and habitats from Wareham to the spectacular coastline at Chapman's Pool to the south or Ballard Down to the east via the picture postcard village of Corfe Castle.

Dorset's many nature reserves, country parks, woodlands and heathlands also offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a stroll in the fresh air and wide open spaces.

There are many opportunities to join guided walks in Dorset. Tours are available on a wide variety of themes such as coast, countryside, history, towns, villages, wildlife and much more. For further details on the public rights of way around dorset visit dorsetforyou.com.

Walkers Welcome
Dorset provides plenty of accommodation that is part of the Walkers Welcome Scheme. These accommodations offer walkers all the facilities they my require after a long walk in dorset. View Walkers Welcome accommodation.

For more details on any of the above Dorset walks contact one of the our Tourist Information Centres for more details or view a full list of walking activities.