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.
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”
The Best Studland Walks covers 7 of my favourite walks starting in the sleepy seaside village of Studland which is located 2 miles north of Swanage and 4.6 miles east of Corfe Castle.
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The Best Worth Matravers Walks covers 10 of my favourite walks starting in the picturesque village of Worth Matravers which is located 4 miles west of Swanage and 4 miles south of Corfe Castle.
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This post gives a very brief introduction to the best Lulworth Cove walks. All the walks start in the main car park at Lulworth Cove Sat Nav postcode BH20 5RQ (Google map). Car park charges are £5 for 4 hours which is sufficient for most walks, or £10 all day. For more detailed visitor information see https://www.dorsetguide.com/lulworth-cove/
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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
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