Enjoy a walk on the ancient site of Maiden Castle
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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.

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Number of results: 64

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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.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Abbotsbury Walks

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Abbotsbury

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops - Abbotsbury walks. Start point: Bus stop near Ilchester Arms or Swan Inn, Abbotsbury. Distance: 3.4 miles / 5.5km or 2 miles / 3.2km. Walking Time: 70 or 40 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Easy.
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 Timeless Coast: Watersports, crafts and a riverside walk in Lyme Regis

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Lyme Regis

A one day itinerary for visiting Lyme Regis.
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.
Weymouth Walk - Portland Bill Lighthouse Walk

Type

Type:

Walking

Portland

This route is 2 miles (3.5km) and will take approx. an hour to walk.
Wareham Forest Way

Type

Type:

Walking Route

WAREHAM

Starting from Wareham Quay, this 13 mile (21km) walk takes you up through the Forest to Morden and continues on through farmland and country estates to Sturminster Marshall.
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: 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.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Short Circular from Chickerell

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Chickerell

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops - short circular route from Chickerell. Start point: Meadow Close bus stop, Chickerell. Distance: 2.5 miles (4km). Walking Time: 70 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Easy.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: Portesham to Abbotsbury - Over the Portesham Hill

Type

Type:

Walking Route

PORTESHAM

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops - Portesham to Abbotsbury over the hill. Start point: Village Hall bus stop or Kings Arms bus stop, Portesham. Distance: 3.8 miles (6km). Walking Time: 100 mins not including stops. Route Difficulty: Moderate.
Purbeck Way

Type

Type:

Walking Route

WAREHAM

Starting opposite Wareham Quay, walk along the banks of the River Frome to Corfe Castle. Then either walk south to Chapman's Pool or east to Ballard Down. The route is 15.5 miles (25km) in total but can be split into shorter sections.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Jurassic Jaunts

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

CORFE CASTLE

Tours, walks, talks and holiday planning services – the ONLY Total Jurassic Experience specialists.
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.
Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: West Bay & Eype

Type

Type:

Walking Route

WEST BAY

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops: West Bay & Eype. Start point: Bus stop near West Bay harbour. Distance: 4.5 miles (7km) or 3.5 miles (5.6km). Walking Time: 2 hours (120 minutes) not including stops. Route Difficulty: Moderate with some steep…
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.
Weymouth Walk - Church Ope- Portland Bill- Tout Quarry

Type

Type:

Walking

ISLE OF PORTLAND

This route is 8 miles (13km) and will take approximately 4 hours to walk.
South Dorset Ridgeway

Type

Type:

Walking Route

WEST BEXINGTON

Part of the South West Coast Path National Trail, the 17 mile (27.5km) 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…
Quarrymans' Ways

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Acton, Nr SWANAGE

A 1.5 mile (2.5km) circular trail starting in Acton provides a unique chance to see old quarries and imagine what Purbeck must have been like 100 years ago.
Lulworth Range Walks

Type

Type:

Walking Route

Wareham

The Lulworth Ranges are found along the coastline between West Lulworth and Kimmeridge and include Tyneham village and Worbarrow Bay. They are owned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which means they are closed during the week (and some weekends)…

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Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information We're Good To Go Dorset, Know before you go town centres, Repect, Protect and Enjoy Dorset,	Things To Do Family Friendly, The Jurassic Coast, Dorset Beaches, Dog Friendly, Beach Safety, Fossil Hunting, Be Coastwise, Harbours, Shopping, Active and Outdoor , Families & Children, Heritage & Culture, Animals & Farm Parks, Gardens & Parks, Tours & Boat Trips, Food & Drink Experiences, Entertainment & Arts, Nature and Wildlife,	Accommodation Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, Self Catering, Self Catering Agencies, Dorset Holiday Cottages, Caravan & Holiday Parks, Campsites, Glamping, Pubs & Inns, Eco Friendly, Farm Stays, Group Friendly, Dog Friendly, Accessible, Gradings & Awards,
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Relax and unwind

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Walker friendly accommodation

It's not all about walking

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