Best trails in Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dorset, England

This is a truly amazing trail, which provides notable challenges along on the coast, part due to a few heart pumping hills to climb, but it is worth the effort for the spectacular views and the feeling of connection with nature and feeling alive. Show more

Along the route you will see views from afar of Lulworth Castle. It was built in the 17th century, and this magnificent building is steeped in history. It was originally a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty, and was for centuries the family seat of the Weld family, the current owners of the Lulworth Estate. In 1929 there was a fire which destroyed a lot of the Castle, but thankfully it has been partly restored in a pioneering partnership with English Heritage. It is worth a detour from the route, before or after, to go visit the castle and grounds, which has a little of something for everyone, including children - an extensive parkland, woodland walks, a children’s playground, the spacious grounds. Dogs are welcome, but on a lead. Admission fee. Children under 4 go free. Show more

Great views! Nice mix of coastal and fields. The hill towards the end of the coastal path before turning in land is pretty steep. The pub in Kingston, the Scott Arms, has great views overlooking Corfe castle and is a great place to have a bite to eat. Please note that the car park closes at 8pm. Show more

One of the nicest walks on the South Coast with good views of the bay towards Charmouth and to the east Chesil Beach. Two fairly stiff climbs but well worth it for the view on a good day. The circular walk starts at the car park in Seatown which is opposite the dog friendly Anchor Inn. The Inn has a good selection of ales and a decent menu. There are several stiles on the walk which make it impractical for pushchairs and cattle can be found in some fields so dogs must be kept under control. The ground is generally firm but can be boggy in some areas after heavy rain. Show more

A pretty easy stretch of the coast path, especially for 20 miles. There's a bit of a hill in the middle of the stretch, near Abbotsbury, but in general this walk is nice and flat. There is, however, one section right as you get into Weymouth that involves climbing up a fallen cliff side using a rope. There are a couple of bits walking on the gravel bank of Chesil Beach (given more limelight through ian McEwan's book, Chesil Beach) which are a little tiring but thankfully the path doesn't run along the outer Chesil Bank for the entire 15 miles of its length to Portland! Show more

A circular walk within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Starting at the Thomas Hardy monument which is a memorial to Rear Admiral Masterman Hardy (1769-1839), best known as the Captain of HMS Victory at the battle of Trafalgar (1805). The monument is 22 meters high and was built in 1844/5. The walk has excellent views of Weymouth, Portland Bill and Chesil Beech and has one rather steep climb as well as several stiles and gates. Show more

A circular walk from Lulworth Cove in Dorset taking in a beautiful stretch of the Jurassic Coast, including the famous Durdle Door, before returning through farmland. The views across the World Heritage Coast are breathtaking and you'll be able to see the various chalk and limestone formations including coves, stacks and arches. There are no stiles (only gates) but the coast path follows undulating cliffs with several steep ascents. The inland return route follows a much gentler path, although you will share this with both cows and sheep. Approximate time 2-3hrs.Show more

Enjoy the beautiful ocean views as you climb this section of the South West Coast Path. Show more