Dorset Country Walks Guide

Dorset Country Walks

Dorset Country Walks is a selection of inland walking routes across Dorset, including hill forts, woodland paths and open countryside. These walks are generally quieter and less exposed than coastal routes, with easier terrain and a higher proportion of circular routes.

Each walk includes distance, route type and a short description, with links to detailed route pages including maps, parking and route guidance.

Colmers Hill Walk

1.6 miles, Circular, Easy
Description: Short but distinctive walk with a steady climb to Colmers Hill, offering wide views over the surrounding countryside and fields.

Colmers Hill Walk Map
Base map © OpenStreetMap

Manswood Cranborne Chase

3.5 miles Circular, Easy
Description: Quiet woodland and farmland walk through Cranborne Chase, with gentle terrain and a mix of forest tracks and open countryside.

Manswood Walk Map (Cranborne Chase)
Manswood Walk Map (Cranborne Chase)
Base map © OpenStreetMap

Maiden Castle Dorchester

1.9 miles, Circular, Easy
Route: Maiden Castle car park (English Heritage) – Maiden Castle Hill Fort
Description: Circular walk around one of the largest Iron Age hill forts in Britain, with elevated views over Dorchester and the surrounding landscape.

Maiden Castle Walk map
Maiden Castle Walk Dorchester
Base map © OpenStreetMap

Badbury Rings Hill Fort

1.2 miles, Circular, Easy
Route: Badbury Rings car park (National Trust) – Badbury Rings
Description: Short circular walk around a well-preserved hill fort, with woodland paths and open views across the Dorset countryside.

Badbury Rings Walk map (1.2 miles)
Badbury Rings Walk map (1.2 miles)
Base map © OpenStreetMap

Hod Hill

1.6 miles, Circular, Easy
Route: Hod Hill car park – Hod Hill
Description: Elevated walk around Hod Hill fort with views over the River Stour and surrounding farmland, combining open ground and historic earthworks.

Hod Hill Walk map (1.6 miles)
Hod Hill Walk map (1.6 miles)
Base map © OpenStreetMap

Hambledon Hill

2.7 miles, Circular, Easy
Route: Duck Street lay-by – Hambledon Hill – Child Okeford
Description: Prominent hilltop walk with expansive views across North Dorset, featuring open chalk downland and steady climbs.

Hambledon Hill Walk map (2.7 miles)
Hambledon Hill Walk map (2.7 miles)
Base map © OpenStreetMap

Cranborne Estate

4.8 miles, Circular, Easy
Route: Cranborne Garden Centre – Cranborne Village – Jubilee Trail – Jack’s Hedge Corner – Boveridge – Burwood – Return
Description: Longer circular walk through mixed woodland and farmland, with gentle terrain and a varied rural landscape.

Cranborne Estate Walk map (4.8 miles)
Cranborne Estate Walk map (4.8 miles)
Base map © OpenStreetMap