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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Best Hengistbury Head Walks includes 3 coastal walks starting at the main Hengistbury Head car park which is located just 1 mile south-east from Christchurch in East Dorset.
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The Best Durlston Country Park Walks includes 3 coastal walks in and around Durlston Country Park which is located just 1 mile south from Swanage (we’ve also included a circular walk from Swanage to Durlston if you prefer to start any of these walks in Swanage)
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The Best Abbotsbury Walks includes 8 coastal and country walks starting in the picturesque Dorset village of Abbotsbury. The village is located just a short walk from Chesil Beach coastline and about 10 miles south west of Dorchester and 9 miles north west of Weymouth.
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The Best Kimmeridge Walks includes 14 coastal walks starting in the small Dorset village of Kimmeridge. The village is located about 4.5 miles south of Wareham and 7 miles west of Swanage. The main attraction is the superb bay with its ledges and rock pools. In the summer it’s a popular destination for families as its a great place for snorkelling and discovering marine wildlife. There are toilets facilities but no shops or lifeguards.
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The Best Wareham Walks includes 11 country and riverside walks starting in the historic market town of Wareham. Wareham is located between the River Piddle and the River Frome 8 miles southwest of Poole and 6 miles northwest of Corfe Castle. Wareham has a lovely riverside Quay in close proximity to excellent pubs and restaurants. It is frequently referred to as the “Gateway to the Isle of Purbeck”.
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