Dorset Walks - Walking & Guided Walks in Dorset

Do you want to escape the hurly burly of modern life, feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair?

Walks in Dorset give you the chance to let loose and explore dramatic clifftops, peaceful country lanes, rolling hills and woodland trails.

Dorset walks are internationally renowned, whilst its coast and countryside boasts over 4,700 well-signed and waymarked footpaths, bridleways and byways to explore. These paths meander and intertwine across Dorset, linking photogenic villages, cosy pubs, lush meadows and rocky coves.

Each turning leads to a new adventure…

Unplug from the daily rush

Dorset walks offer an exceptional mix of awe inspiring coastline, ancient woodland, rolling chalk downlands and secluded river valleys making for a true rambler’s paradise and there are walks of all lengths, for all abilities.

Tread in the footsteps of smugglers along one of the world’s most famous rambles, the South West Coast Path, and enjoy the views as you imaging the thrilling tale of smuggling and dastardly deeds made famous by the J. Meade Faulkner novel, Moonfleet.

For families, the Rodwell Trail is a lovely level walking route teeming with wildlife following the track bed of the old Weymouth to Portland Railway.

The Sika Trail is a popular 2 mile circular walk through Wareham Forest. Stroll through the pine trees and heathland and if you're lucky you might spot a Sika Deer which the trail is named after.

If you’re a seasoned walker and crave the challenge of a long distance hike, we have plenty of trails to satisfy your urge.

The Dorset section of the Wessex Ridgeway runs from Ashmore in the north, past ancient hill forts and the Cerne Abbas Giant on its winding way to the coast at Lyme Regis, and the Stour Valley Way follows the magnificent River Stour on its journey to Christchurch Harbour.

Guided Walks in Dorset

There are many opportunities to join guided Dorset walks and tours are available on a wide variety of themes.

Take a guided ghost tour and learn the dark secrets of Dorset’s towns as you tiptoe down narrow streets and alleyways. Find out if there’s a scheduled walk near you by contacting one of our Tourist Information Centres.

Explore somewhere new with a fun quiz element. Dorset Treasure Trails offer easy to follow routes with clues to crack as you take in the fascinating sights along the way.

Or, get acquainted with a friendly llama or donkey and take them along with you as you wander coast and countryside. They will even carry your picnic!

Walker friendly accommodation

Now that we’ve convinced you that Dorset is one of the finest counties in England for walking and walking themed holidays, we should suggest to you to some places to stay.

Accommodation in Dorset is plentiful and varied. Click below to browse for your ideal place to stay:

Dorset also provides plenty of accommodation that is part of the Walkers Welcome Scheme.

These properties offer walkers all the facilities you may require after a long walk in Dorset.

It's not all about walking

Now that you have seen how good Dorset really is for walkers and the range of walker-friendly accommodation to choose from, we thought it would be a good idea to tell you a little more about what Dorset has to offer!

If you head on over to our things to do, whats on, places to visit and food and drink pages, you will be able to find out more information on the following:

Last but not least, on your walking travels, why not drop by to the famous filming location of ITV's smash-hit crime series 'Broadchurch' and see for yourself why its amazing landscape and stunning views played such an integral part in the TV series.

Number of results:

Number of results: 64

, currently showing 1 to 20.

1
2
3
4
Next

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Dorset Tours

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Welcome to Dorset Tours! We are a Weymouth & Portland based Tour Company offering a range of high quality, small group guided sightseeing tours throughout the Jurassic Coast, Dorset, Hampshire and neighbouring counties.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
239 reviews
Cumulus Outdoor Adventure

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

Langton Matravers, SWANAGE

Activities include: Coasteering, Kayaking, Climbing & Abseiling and Bushcraft amongst other things, plus outdoor corporate events, fun days and team building for business plus school and youth programmes and activities.
Special Offers
- WAREHAM
  Paddle & Dine
  The experience starts at Wareham Quay whereby one of our experienced instructors will help you to discover the delights of kayaking with at least 2 hours on the water.
  You’ll then enjoy a sumptuous lunch at The Priory Hotel, idyllically located on the River Frome in Wareham, with 4 acres of beautifully cultivated, cottage-style gardens.
  This exclusive offer is available until the 30th March 2018 (excluding Sunday lunch and February 14th).
  Minimum Kayak group size 6 - you will be added to a group to make up the minimum group size if necessary, the lunch can be booked as couples.
  Book Now for just £55pp
  To book your Valentine Paddle & Dine, call 01929 555111 or email us at info@cumulusoutdoors.com
  More offers like this - Activity Offers
Price £22.00 to £100.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
24 reviews
Jurassic Coast Guides

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

We offer professional guided walks, tours and fossil hunts anywhere along the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding areas. There is so much to be discovered within the World Heritage site. Not only is there 95 miles of breathtaking...
Dream Adventures & Cycle Mechanic 2 U

Type

Type:

Cycling and Mountain Biking

WAREHAM

Guided rides - Cycle hire - Mobile cycle mechanic and MIAS Leadership courses in Purbeck area of Dorset.

Price £5.00 to £25.00 Activity
Donkey Walking Adventures

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Beaminster

Relax and enjoy an unforgettable day spent leading an affectionate donkey while exploring the Brit Valley and TV River Cottage Site. Picnic or pub lunch en route.
Treasure Trails Dorset

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Weymouth

Explore Weymouth seafront with a self-guided Treasure Hunt themed walking Treasure Trail; a fun and imaginative way to explore Weymouth with the kids.
Brenscombe Outdoor Centre

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

CORFE CASTLE

Activities include: High ropes course, power boating, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking and so much more. The Centre is located in spectacular surroundings close to Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour. Experienced, qualified instructors provide...

Price £24.00 to £45.00 Activity
The Carter Company

Type

Type:

Cycling Tour

Our cycling & walking holidays are a unique way to discover Dorset.
Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, our creative routes aim to show you the hidden gems of Dorset, not just the highlights. Pedal through countryside and the...
UK Llamas

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

BEAMINSTER

Discover the Llama experience with an introduction to Llamas and Alpacas. They are gentle, easy to handle and great fun to be with.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
695 reviews
Land and Wave

Type

Type:

Adventure Sport Centre

SWANAGE

Climbing, Coasteering, Sea Kayaking, Bushcraft, Raft Building, Stand Up Paddle Boarding & more in Swanage and The Purbecks. Excellent instructors, top notch kit and passion for the Great Outdoors.

Price £25.00 to £137.00 Per Ticket
Jurassic Coast Walking

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Kingston, SWANAGE

We offer guided and self guided walking holidays on the magical Isle of Purbeck. Walks can be tailored to suit all ages and abilities and guided walks are led by a local author and photographer who has published a number of books.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
24 reviews
Jurassic Jaunts

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

CORFE CASTLE

Tours, walks, talks and holiday planning services – the ONLY Total Jurassic Experience specialists.
Wareham Two Rivers Walks

Type

Type:

Walking Route

WAREHAM

A network of signposted footpaths around Purbeck's internationally important wetlands, seen at their best from autumn to spring.
Great Wessex Way

Type

Type:

Walking Route

An exploration of the unspoilt and spectacular Wessex countryside that passes through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cranborne Chase and Dorset.
Smugglers' Ways

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Worth Matravers, Nr SWANAGE

A 3 mile circular trail starting at Worth Matravers travels to Winspit Quarry and along the South West Coast Path to Seacombe. There are spectacular sea cliffs and a secretive cove along the way.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Burton Bradstock East

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Burton Bradstock

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops
Weymouth Walk - Sutton Poyntz - Osmington - Bowleaze - Weymouth

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Weymouth

Catch the 4B bus at the Kings Statue to Sutton Poyntz (Approx. every hour, please check www.traveline.org.uk for full details). The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
The walk starts by the duck pond in the village. Continue along Sutton...
South Dorset Ridgeway

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Part of the South West Coast Path National Trail, the 17 mile South Dorset Ridgeway walk begins at West Bexington and passes through the ceremonial landscape of South Dorset, finishing at Osmington Mills.
You will be following in the footsteps of...
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Short Circular from Chickerell

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Chickerell

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Burton Bradstock to West Bay - Inland Route

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Bridport

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops

1
2
3
4
Next

Search Accommodation

Search What's On

Type:

Area:

Name:

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Things To Do Attractions, Activities, Shopping, Entertainment, Tours & Sightseeing,	What's On Events, Festivals, Nature, Submit Event,	Accommodation Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, Self Catering, Dorset Holiday Cottages, Caravan & Holiday Parks, Campsites, Glamping, Pubs & Inns, Farm Stays, Group Friendly, Pet Friendly, Accessible, Gradings & Awards,
Food & Drink Restaurants, Pubs & Bars, Cafes & Coffee Shops, Afternoon Tea, Local Produce, Farmers' Markets, Cookery Schools, Celebrity Chefs, Food Events,	Ideas & Inspiration Film & TV, Top 10 Ideas, Notable Days & Holidays, Short Break Ideas, Weddings in Dorset, Dog Friendly, Dorset Holidays, Dorset Videos, Special Offers,	Explore History & Heritage, Areas To Visit, Towns, Villages, Coast, Countryside, Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),
Visitor Information Maps, Brochures & Guides, Apps & Downloads, Tourist Information Centres, Travel Information, Group Travel, Litter Free Dorset, Accessibility, Social Media, Contact Us,	Home

Follow Visit Dorset

Enjoy a walk along Sandbanks Beach

Enjoy a morning walk with your four legged friends

Coastal walks

Walking in Dorset

Accommodation

Things To Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Search Things to Do

Highlights

Unplug from the daily rush

Guided Walks in Dorset

Walker friendly accommodation

It's not all about walking

Number of results:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Special Offers

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Search Accommodation

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Follow Visit Dorset