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Highlights

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

Dorset walks are internationally renowned and give you the chance to explore rolling hills, peaceful country lanes, dramatic clifftops and woodland trails.

The county's coast and countryside boasts over 3000 miles of signposted footpaths, bridleways and byways to hike, ramble or stroll. These paths meander and intertwine across Dorset, linking photogenic villages, cosy pubs, lush meadows and rocky coves. Each turning leads to a new adventure…

Relax and unwind

Dorset walks offer an exceptional mix of awe inspiring coastline, ancient woodland, rolling chalk downlands and secluded river valleys. It makes for a true rambler’s paradise and there are walks of all lengths, for all abilities. With just over half of our landscape designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) you're assured the perfect backdrop for your walk!

Tread in the footsteps of smugglers along one of the world’s most famous rambles, the South West Coast Path, 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 donkey and take them along with you as you wander coast and countryside. They will even carry your picnic!

Walker friendly accommodation

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

Accommodation in Dorset is plentiful and varied:

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

As Dorset is such a fantastic destination for any time of year, 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

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Purbeck Park

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Near Corfe Castle, WAREHAM

Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a must visit location! Start here to explore nearby attractions and the coast by steam train, bike, bus or on foot.

Price Free to £5.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
157 reviews
Jurassic Coast Guides

Type

Type:

Walking Tour
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
- AA Awards AA COVID Confident Scheme 2020
Martin is now running private fossil walks (6 people max). There will be strict social distancing measures in place. Martin offers professional guided walks, tours and fossil hunts anywhere along the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding…
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
81 reviews
Sherborne Walks

Type

Type:

Walking Tour
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2021
Sherborne Walks have re-started their guided walking tours for visitors with pre-booking and a maximum of 5 places available per tour. Cindy Chant will lead our historic town tour every Friday morning, starting 10.30 a.m. Meet outside the Tourist…
WALX Dorset

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

SWANAGE

Walking (and Nordic Walking) is great fun and our team will not only ensure that you reach your health/fitness goals but that you have a great time doing it!
The Carter Company - Gentle Walking & Cycling Holidays

Type

Type:

Guided Tours

The Carter Company’s gentle self-guided walking and cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Dorset. Get away from the crowds with our creative itineraries that take you along charming back roads and quiet paths; through forests and woods;…
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Abbotsbury Walks - Circular via White Hill

Type

Type:

Walking Route

ABBOTSBURY

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops - circular route via White Hill. Start point: Bus stop near Ilchester Arms or Swan Inn, Abbotsbury. Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km). Walking Time: 70 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Moderate.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Burton Bradstock to West Bay - Inland Route

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Bridport

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops - Burton Bradstock to West Bay inland route. Start point: Hive Beach bus stop. Distance: 4.6 miles (7.4 km). Walking Time: 120 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Moderate.
North Dorset Trailway

Type

Type:

Walking Route

STURMINSTER NEWTON

The North Dorset Trailway is a 14 mile (22.5km) walking, cycling and horse riding route from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Chickerell Fleet Lagoon Circular

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Chickerell

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: circular walk around Chickerell and the Fleet Lagoon. Distance: 4 miles (6.4km). Walking Time: 90 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Easy.
Smugglers' Ways

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Worth Matravers, Nr SWANAGE

A 3 mile (5km) 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.
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.
Dorset Ramblers

Type

Type:

Walking

On almost every Sunday of the year, the Ramblers organise a group walk somewhere in Dorset. Distances vary between 4 miles (6.5km) and 12 miles (19km). A lunch stop at a pub is normally included.
Great Wessex Way

Type

Type:

Walking Route

A long distance trail covering Wiltshire and Dorset, exploring the unspoilt and spectacular Wessex countryside that passes through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Cranborne Chase and Dorset.
Frome Valley Trail

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Evershot, DORCHESTER

Starting at Evershot, the second highest village in Dorset, the 16 mile (26km) route meanders close to the River Frome. The route passes through Chilfrome, Maiden Newton, Bradford Peverell, Charminster and Dorchester. Along the way a wealth of…
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: West Bay to Bridport

Type

Type:

Walking Route

WEST BAY

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: West Bay to Bridport. Distance: 2.5 miles / 3.3km (one way). Walking Time: 60 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Easy.
West Dorset Walks - Thomas Hardy's Cottage

Type

Type:

Walking Route

DORCHESTER

The return walk is approximately 7 miles (11km) long. Set in the beautiful Thorncombe woods, now a nature reserve, Thomas Hardy’s home and birthplace lies in a quiet and remote position. It is an easy walk from Dorchester visiting Stinsford and its…
The Timeless Coast: Fossil hunting in Charmouth and hill climbing on Golden Cap

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Bridport

Here is a one day itinerary for fossil hunting at Charmouth and hill climbing up to Golden Cap - the highest point on the south coast.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Burton Bradstock to West Bay - Coastal Route

Type

Type:

Walking Route

BURTON BRADSTOCK

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops. Start at Hive Beach bus stop or the Anchor Inn at Burton Bradstock. Distance: 3.2 miles (5km). Walking Time: 70 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Moderate
Lawrence of Arabia Trail

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Bovington, WAREHAM

The 7 mile (11km) trail starts and finishes at Bovington’s Tank Museum taking in Lawrence’s home at Clouds Hill and his last resting place: the cemetery at Moreton.

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