OS Maps of Dorset: Ordnance Survey offer two types of paper map of Dorset depending on the level of detail required: the OS Explorer series is better for walkers and off-road mountain biking while the OS Landranger series is less detailed and better for touring or long distance walks and biking (see details below). The good news is that Ordnance Survey now include a free digital download of each map that can be viewed using their OS Maps App for your phone (iPhone and Android).
Continue reading “Ordnance Survey OS Maps of Dorset”Maiden Castle Walk
Maiden Castle is the largest Iron Age hill fort in Britain and lies just outside Dorchester. It is owned by English Heritage but entrance is free, so is the car park. This short Maiden Castle Walk is an easy stroll around the banks and ditches of the hill fort offering beautiful views of rolling south Dorchester countryside.
Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 1 hour
Date of walk: 31 August 2022
Highcliffe to Mudeford Quay Walk
The Highcliffe to Mudeford Quay Walk is an easy 2.9 mile one-way walk or 5.8 mile circular walk starting from the Cliff Top car park in Highcliffe. This walk can be done at any time of the year and easily combined with a ferry ride from Mudeford Quay across to Mudeford Sandbank and Hengistbury Head.
Distance: 2.9 miles (one-way) 5.8 miles (Circular)
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Date of walk: October 2022
Durdle Door to White Nothe Walk
The Durdle Door to White Nothe Walk is an excellent stand-alone walk starting in Durdle Door car park or it can easily be added to the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk. The first half of the walk can be quite challenging with some steep sections but you’ll be rewarded by some stunning coastal views and you’ll be able to escape the crowds at Durdle Door during the summer.
Distance: 5.5 miles (circular)
Difficulty: moderate (uneven ground, some steep ascents)
Estimated time: 3 hours 15 minutes,
Total ascent 1001ft, Max elevation 554ft
Date of walk: March 2021
Worth Matravers
Worth Matravers is a picturesque village situated on the cliffs 4 miles west of Swanage and 4 miles south of Corfe Castle. It comprises limestone cottages and farm houses set around the village green complete with duckpond. The village is also well known for the Square and Compass pub which has operated since 1793. The pub accommodates a small museum exhibiting fossils and other local artefacts.
Continue reading “Worth Matravers”The Square and Compass Pub Dorset
Worth Matravers BH19 3LF (Google Map)
The Square and Compass is the perfect finish for many coastal walks in the Worth Matravers region and also a popular stopping off point for walkers on the South West Coast Path.
Continue reading “The Square and Compass Pub Dorset”Worth Matravers to Winspit and St. Aldhelm’s Head Walk
This circular walk from the village of Worth Matravers follows a well made track downhill to the old stone quarry at Winspit. It then turns west to join the South West Coast Path walking along the exposed clifftops to reach St. Aldhelm’s Head with its small chapel and Coastguard Lookout Station.
Distance: 4.4 miles (circular walk)
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ascent: 558ft, Highest point: 440ft
Seatown Dorset
Seatown is a small coastal hamlet with a privately-owned shingle shelving beach. It is located 3 miles south west of Bridport and about 7.5 miles east of Lyme Regis. This part of the coast forms part of the Jurassic Coast, a world heritage site stretching for 96 miles.
Continue reading “Seatown Dorset”Seatown to Thorncombe Beacon Walk
Great alternative to the Golden Cap walk. This circular coastal walk starts in the sleepy village of Seatown and has great views west towards Golden Cap, east towards West Bay (Bridport) and north to Colmer’s Hill.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Estimated time: 1 hours 30 minutes,
Total ascent 653ft, Max elevation 486ft.
Seatown to Golden Cap and Langdon Hill Walk
Golden Cap is the highest point in Dorset so you’ll get stunning views west along the Jurassic Coast towards Lyme Regis, east towards West Bay, Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland and green rolling farmland to the north.
Distance: 4.1 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total ascent 1175ft, Max elevation 604ft.
