General Disclaimer
Information and maps (including the interactive maps we link to on Outdooractive.com and Google.com/maps) are provided in good faith. Every effort has been taken to ensure details and routes are safe and correct however Dorset Walks accepts no responsibility for content accuracy and anyone undertaking any walks listed on this website must do so at their own risk.
Google Maps
The hiking routes shown on the linked Google.com/maps are for information only and not to be used for hiking navigation purposes. This is because the maps do not show sufficient terrain details to allow you to make an adequate assessment of route risk i.e. poor map details, no contours, missing footpaths and tracks. Lack of map details becomes more apparent the more remote the location is and can be completely useless in mountainous regions. Google Maps is great for vehicular navigation but not a suitable choice for off-road outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
The walking routes shown on the Google.com/maps page have been designed on Outdooractive.com using a combination of OpenStreetMap and Ordnance Survey base maps and the route exported as a GPX file and then imported and overlayed onto a standard Google base map.
Outdooractive maps
The free basic Outdooractive.com map that we link to uses an OpenStreetMap map base which has been designed specifically for outdoor activities and includes features such as footpaths, tracks, roads, rivers and terrain contouring. We have created these maps using the Outdooractive snap-to-path route plotting feature and checked the route using both OpenStreetMap and Ordnance Survey base maps for accuracy. We have also walked all of the walking routes ourselves. However routes and hazards can change without notice so always proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Cliff Erosion and Landslides
Landslides and cliff erosion frequently occur along the Jurassic Coast so always keep well back from cliff edges and proceed carefully especially in bad weather or in poor visibility. For up-to-date information about the condition of the South West Coast Path please visit the website https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Walking near livestock
Many footpaths pass through fields with grazing livestock. This is especially noticeable when walking through land owned by the National Trust. Keep a safe distance from any livestock and always keep dogs on a lead and under control. We strongly advise you to read this useful information about walking near livestock provided by the Ramblers.org
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/advice/safety/walking-near-livestock.aspx
Walking with dogs
Again the Ramblers have a great code of conduct regarding walking with dogs that can be viewed at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/advice/safety/dog-walkers.aspx