Local Guide to the Best Walks in Dorset
The Swanage to Kingston Walk is a breathtaking 14.5 mile walk along the Jurassic Coast. Highlights include the picturesque seaside resort of Swanage, Durlston Country Park, Dancing Ledge, Seacombe and Winspit Quarries, St Aldhelms Head and its Norman Chapel, Chapman’s Pool, Houns Tout, Swyre Head and the charming village of Kingston.
Continue reading “Swanage to Kingston Walk (via Swyre Head)”
The Bournemouth Pier to Swanage Walk is a stunning 12.2 miles coastal walk along some of Britain’s best beaches. Highlights include Bournemouth Pier, Sandbanks Beach, Poole Harbour, Sandbanks Ferry, Shell Bay, Studland Beaches, Old Harry Rocks, Ballard Down and Swanage.
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A superb coastal walk along 7 miles of golden sandy beaches. Highlights include Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford Sandbank, Hengistbury Head, Southbourne Beach, Fisherman’s Walk, Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Beaches and Pier. During the summer a new Breezer 70/80 bus service operates between Bournemouth Pier, Tuckton Bridge and Hengistbury Head allowing you you take a bus from Bournemouth to Tuckton Bridge and then take a vintage ferry across Christchurch Harbour to the start of the walk at Mudeford Sandbank. It’s then an easy 3 hour walk back along the coast to Bournemouth. For alternative starting options see details below.
Continue reading “Mudeford Sandbank to Bournemouth Pier Walk”
This is a medium 9.3 mile circular walk taking in some of the most picturesque locations on the Isle of Purbeck including Corfe Castle, Kimmeridge, Swyre Head and Kingston village. On a clear day you’ll get spectacular views as far as Bournemouth Bay, Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Swanage Bay, Weymouth Bay and the Isle of Portland.
Continue reading “Corfe Castle to Kimmeridge, Swyre Head and Kingston Circular Walk”
The Abbotsbury walk described below is an easy 3.2 mile circular walk taking in the highlights of Abbotsbury Village as well and St Catherines Chapel and Chesil Beach. Returning from Chesil Beach the route takes you past the entrance to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens which is worth a visit (Allow at least 1 hr 30 mins to explore the gardens, check website link above for prices). Even if you don’t want to visit the Gardens you can still access the coffee shop/restaurant and toilet facilities.
Continue reading “Abbotsbury to St Catherines Chapel and Chesil Beach Circular Walk”
Colmers Hill is one of the most recognisable scenes in the West Dorset landscape, this iconic conical-shaped hill rises 417 feet above the village of Symondsbury on the edge of Bridport. It has been part of the Symondsbury Estate for over one hundred years and is open to the public with a permissive path up to the top. There are several walks in the area, the shorter Colmers Hill Walk is described below.
Distance: 1.6 miles Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 295ft, Highest Point 417ft
OS Map: OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis & Bridport
Date of Walk: June 202
Dorset Coast Flowers is a collection of photos of wild flowers that I’ve taken whilst on walks along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. It’s a work in progress so I’ll be adding more photos to this page over the next few months.
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The Anchor Inn is located just seconds from the beach at Seatown. The pub stocks a varied selection of real ales from Palmers Brewery which is just up the road at Bridport and has been supplying West Dorset since 1794. Not only do they serve excellent food and drinks but also offer accommodation with all rooms having stunning sea views.
The Anchor Inn
Seatown, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6JU
Tel 01297 489215
opening hours Mon-Sun 12:00-22:00
Moor Crichel is a small village located on Cranborne Chase five miles east of Blandford Forum. Its main attraction is the avenue of beech trees just outside the village. The village is home to Crichel House and surrounding estate which also includes the church of St Mary (not open to the public).
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Manswood is a small hamlet located 1 mile north west of Witchampton and 1 mile west of Moor Crichel in the soft rolling hills of Cranborne Chase. Manswood Walk is a circular walk that takes you through conifer plantations, coppiced woods and arable farmland.
Distance: 3.5 miles Circular walk
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 1 hour 45 mins
Date of walk: late August 2022
Map: OS Explorer 118