7 of our favourite Dorset walks

It’s hard to beat the delights of exploring beautiful Dorset on foot and luckily there is no shortage of fantastic walks to choose from. Whether you are looking for easy strolls, longer treks or something a bit different, our selection of Dorset walks offers walkers of all fitness and ability a great way to discover this stunning region.

Dorset Coast Path

Dorset boasts an incredible coastline that is breathtakingly beautiful and one of the best Dorset coastal walks to take in this magnificent scenery is the Dorset Coast Path. This 86-mile route forms part of the South West Coast Path national trail and runs between Lyme Regis and Poole. This Jurassic Coast walk is a mix of easier and more strenuous sections, so you can choose to do the entire route or shorter sections of it to suit your time constraints. See all of our campsites near the South West Coast Path.

Old Harry Rocks Walk

One of the top Dorset coastal walks for viewing famous natural wonders is the Old Harry Rocks Walk. You can see the renowned chalk sea stacks known as Old Harry and Old Harry’s wife, as well as enjoy excellent views across Poole Bay. The walk includes strolling along cliff tops and chalk grassland and is 3.5 miles in length. It’s an easy walk that can be completed in one to two hours and it begins and ends near the Bankes Arms pub, making it a suitable option for those seeking Dorset pub walks.

Wareham Forest Way

The Wareham Forest Way is another good choice for people who are eager to do pub walks in Dorset, as there are several pubs along this route that walkers can stop at for refreshments. The route runs from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall and is 13 miles in length one-way but it is possible to do the route in shorter sections. Beautiful landscapes such as woodland and heathland as well as a variety of wildlife make this a picturesque and enticing walking route for outdoor enthusiasts.

Corfe Common History Walk

Fancy combining nature and history in an easy walk that is great for people who are looking for a shorter route? Well the Corfe Common History Walk is an excellent option. This 1.5-mile route only takes about half an hour to complete and provides walkers with exceptional views of Corfe Castle and the opportunity to explore Corfe Common which is the biggest area of common land in Dorset.

The Wessex Ridgeway Walk

The Wessex Ridgeway Walk is a stunning 62.5-mile route that starts in the highest village in Dorset, Ashmore, and ends down on the coast at Lyme Regis. Most of the route is along a ridge top and walkers will ramble up the likes of the Hambledon Hill hillfort and past picturesque villages such as Cerne Abbas, while being treated to magnificent views.

Godlingston Heath Walk at Studland

The Godlingston Heath Walk at Studland is an easy 3-mile walking route that should take around 1.5 hours to complete. While following the route you will see a variety of sights such as ruggedly beautiful heathland and the 400-ton Agglestone as well as an acidic freshwater lake known as the Little Sea. Walkers may also catch a glimpse of rare Dartford warblers or the rare Sand lizard if they’re lucky.

The South West Coast Path begins/ends at Studland, so this route may also interest walkers who are keen to access the South West Coast Path from the start point or who are finishing their South West Coast Path walk here and are looking for further walks to do in the area.

Amazing animal walks

Animal lovers of all ages who are looking for something a bit different can combine walking and interacting with animals courtesy of UK Llamas and the Stokewater Meadow Donkey Walking Days. These two organizations offer walkers the chance to have some animal companions accompany them along their chosen route, with a choice of a one-day or two-day walk with the donkeys and a range of half-day and full-day llama walks.

Delightful Dorset is just a map and a pair of walking boots away

Families with young kids, experienced walkers, adventure seekers or individuals who are keen to get a breath of fresh air can all enjoy walking in Dorset. While taking in its spectacular scenery you may be keen to see historical buildings and sites along the way (or have them within easy access). Whether you want a challenging route or are happy with laidback rambling, Dorset is more than capable of providing wonderful walks.

 

Find your favourite one of our campsites in Dorset and get excited about exploring all this and more!