Walks in Dorset

Walks in Dorset on this page range from short climbs to long-distance routes. Events on soon come first, then places open all year. Every listing links to its source.

Open all year
South West Coast Path: South Haven Point
Studland · Isle of Purbeck · Walks
- Car-free friendly
A steel sculpture at South Haven Point, just before the ferry to Sandbanks, marks the end of the 630-mile South West Coast Path. The final leg from Worth Matravers passes Old Harry and three miles of sandy beaches, with views across Poole Bay to Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight. The last half mile of beach is popular with naturists. Bus 52 runs from the Sandbanks side of the ferry to Parkstone station.
Open all year
Northport Greenway and Sika Trail
Wareham · Isle of Purbeck · Walks
- Car-free friendly
A walking and cycling route starting at Wareham Quay, running past the town's railway station and into Wareham Forest. It links with a longer circular trail through heath and woodland, suiting those wanting a short stroll or a longer forest walk.
Open all year
Wessex Ridgeway
Dorset · Walks
The Wessex Ridgeway is a long-distance trail crossing Dorset's rural heartland along a chalk ridge. It passes villages such as Cerne Abbas, takes in views across the Blackmore and Marshwood Vales, and finishes at Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast. The walking route covers around 62 miles, with a separate multi-use section for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Open all year
Colmer's Hill
Symondsbury · West Dorset · Walks
- Dog-friendly
A walk up the pine-topped hill on the Symondsbury Estate, along a permissive path from the estate's free car park. It takes about 45 minutes, with a steep but steady slope to the summit and panoramic views of West Dorset, East Devon and out to sea. Sheep graze in the fields and on the hill, so close every gate and keep dogs on leads. Wear walking boots or wellies on rainy days.
Open all year
Symondsbury Estate
Symondsbury · West Dorset · Walks
- Free
- Dog-friendly
- Family-friendly
- +2 more
A rural estate near Bridport offering miles of footpaths through hills, farmland and woodland, including a walk to the summit of Colmer's Hill with views towards the Jurassic Coast. Visitors can also explore The Holloways, a network of ancient sunken pathways shaded by trees. Entry and parking are free, and dogs are welcome across the estate.
Open all year
Rodwell Trail
Weymouth · Walks
- Accessible
A fully surfaced, signposted 2-mile route between Weymouth and Portland along a disused railway line, suitable for walkers, cyclists and mobility scooters. It passes old station platforms and Sandsfoot Castle, with views across Portland Harbour, and is rich in birds, plants and butterflies. The walk can be extended to 4 miles using the Wild About Weymouth and Portland Legacy Trail.
Open all year
Hell's Lane
Symondsbury · West Dorset · Walks
One of the Symondsbury Estate's two holloways, with Shute's Lane: an ancient sunken lane worn deep over centuries by people and livestock, with ivy-draped walls, gnarled roots and a high canopy of trees overhead. Look for carvings etched into the banks and rare plants such as navelwort, bellflowers and goblin's gold moss. Pick up a map at the Visitor Centre, and wear sturdy boots or wellies, as the ground can be uneven and muddy.
Open all year
Golden Cap
Charmouth · West Dorset · Walks
Golden Cap is a flat-topped hill of orange sandstone on the cliffs between Charmouth and Bridport, the highest point on the south coast at 191 metres. Walkers climbing to the top pass through fields, wind-scoured oaks and heathland, with views to Portland Bill, Start Point and Dartmoor. The National Trust estate also includes the ruined church of St Gabriel's and a row of thatched cottages, remnants of the former fishing village of Stanton.
Open all year
Stour Valley Way
Stour Valley · North Dorset · Walks
A 64 mile long distance walking route that follows the River Stour from its source at Stourhead down to Christchurch Harbour, where it meets the sea. In Dorset it passes through Sturminster Newton, Wimborne Minster, Ferndown, Bournemouth and Christchurch, and is signposted with a kingfisher logo.
Open all year
Studland Village to Old Harry
Studland · Isle of Purbeck · Walks
A 3.8 mile round walk from Studland village out to Old Harry Rocks, dramatic chalk sea stacks on the Isle of Purbeck coast. The route climbs Ballard Down, giving views over Poole Harbour and Swanage Bay.
Open all year
Old Harry Rocks
Studland · Isle of Purbeck · Walks
- Dog-friendly
- Accessible
- +1 more
Old Harry Rocks are chalk stacks on Handfast Point at the southern end of Studland Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and managed by the National Trust. The route is popular with walkers and cyclists along the South West Coast Path, with open grass areas for picnics and kayak trips available for a closer look. Dogs are welcome on a lead due to the cliff height.

About walks in Dorset

On the Symondsbury Estate near Bridport, a permissive path climbs Colmer's Hill in about 45 minutes, and holloways such as Hell's Lane are sunken lanes worn deep over centuries. Golden Cap, between Charmouth and Bridport, is the highest point on the south coast at 191 metres.

On the Isle of Purbeck, routes lead from Studland out to Old Harry Rocks, and a steel sculpture at South Haven Point marks the end of the South West Coast Path. The Rodwell Trail is a fully surfaced 2-mile route between Weymouth and Portland, and the Northport Greenway starts at Wareham Quay. For longer days, there are the Stour Valley Way and the Wessex Ridgeway. Check the route on its official page before you go, and keep dogs on leads where asked.