Walks in Dorset

Golden Cap

2 June 2026

The Ramblers hail Golden Cap as one of their 'Top 50 walking routes to Britain's best views'. At 191 metres, it's the highest sea cliff in Southern England. Walk through Langdon wood (great in April/May for bluebells) and up to the top for jaw-dropping views of Charmouth and down to Lyme Regis. The stretch of coast between Lyme Regis and Bridport has over 25 miles of paths and traces almost 185 million years of the Earth's history, so there's plenty of exploring to be done here.

Thorncombe Woods

17 June 2024

Managed by Dorset Countryside this magical woodland offers a 26 hectare site to explore. With a plethora of trees and wildlife you'll have hours of fun here and may even see Dormice and bats.

Eggardon Hill

20 August 2023

Crowned with the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort, Eggardon affords king-of-the-castle-views across the Dorset countryside. There are two Bronze Age burial mounds here too.<br><br>See the skies above Eggardon Hill alive with colour at the annual Eggerdon Kite Festival, held here in September.

The Lawrence of Arabia Trail

17 April 2019

This circular walk of just under seven miles takes you away from the coast and along country lanes, through woodland and heathland. Parking is available at the museum but you will be required to visit the museum if you use the car park.

Pilsdon Pen

6 July 2016

Traditionally thought of as Dorset's highest peak (277m), until it was recently found to be a few feet shy of its neighbour, Lewesdon Hill. Height notwithstanding, the Iron Age hill fort atop this flat-topped hill provides great views over the lush Marshwood Vale in west Dorset. Walk the ancient ramparts in a circular loop to take in the 360 degree panorama across the gentle rolling hills, whilst buzzards wheel overhead. Reach it off the B3164 Broadwindsor road.

The Jurassic Coast

4 July 2012

It would be remiss not to mention the pleasures of walking the Jurassic Coast here; a good way to combine a little exercise with a history lesson is to join one of the organised Fossil Walks from Charmouth.

Bulbarrow Hill

2 July 2011

Bulbarrow Hill is probably the best known hill in Dorset and is a chalk hill site of an Iron Age hill fort - the name comes from barrows or burial mounds on the hill. Standing at 274m (899ft) high and giving the longest view in Dorset, with spectacular views over five counties, Bulbarrow Hill is the second highest point in Dorset and is a very popular beauty spot.

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

11 March 2010

Cycling, fishing, walks, golf, rope swings; there are loads of activities to try here. Choose how active you want to be - swinging through the trees on the Go Ape rope swings, chugging along taking in the scenery on the narrow gauge steam railway, or just relaxing with a picnic by the lake. A great way to spend the day in the Dorset countryside.

Arne Heath

Enjoy walking through open heathland and old oak woodland here with views overlooking Poole Habour. Park in the RSPB car park and choose from a one mile easy flat walk called the Coombe Trail or the two and a half mile Shipstal Trail (or even put the two together for a more adventurous four mile walk!). Look out for the rare Dartford Warbler and if you are lucky you will see roe and sika deer.

Arne Nature Reserve

Head to Arne Nature Reserve and enjoy woods, heathland and wetland, a haven for wildlife and flora and fauna.