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Please use the links below to view full route information including descriptions, elevation profiles, interactive maps and GPS downloads. You can also view an overview map of all the routes in the county here
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| Dorset Walks |
| Route Name | Pic | Distance | Description |
| Avon Valley Path |  | 34 miles (55 km) | This wonderful path takes you from Salisbury to Christchurch on the South Coast.
You start by the magnificent cathedral in Salisbury and head south towards Downton. The path then continues through Woodgreen and Godshill Wood before you arrive at the lovely Hampshire town of Fordingridge.
The next section is particularly pleasant taking you along the River Avon to Ibsley where the path passes through the
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve which has a variety of wildlife to enjoy.
The final section then follows the river into Christchurch where you finish at the priory.
For more information on this walk please click here |
| Brit Valley Way |  | 11 miles (18 km) | From the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast at West Bay follow the Brit Valley Way to Chedington, near Beaminster. There is fantastic coastal scenery as well as splendid views of the River Brit to enjoy on this 11 mile walk through Dorset. The walk passes Wynyards Gap, Buckham Down and Beaminster before finishing at Cheddington with stunning views of the West Dorset countryside. |
| Castleman Trailway |  | 16 miles (26 km) | Travel from Ringwood to Poole along the disused Southampton to Dorchester railway line on this easy cycle and walking route. Route highlights include 3 lovely country parks - Avon Heath Country Park, Moors Valley Country Park and Upton Country Park.
For more information about this route please
click here |
| Ferndown, Stour and Forest Trail |  | 10 miles (16 km) | This nice easy circular walk starts and finishes in Ferndown, first taking you through Ferndown Forest to Longham where you will pass the pretty Longham Lakes.
You then join the River Stour for a pleasant waterside stretch taking you to Dudsbury before heading around Holmwood Park and finishing in Ferndown. |
| Frome Valley Trail | | 16 miles (26 km) | This is a riverside walk along the River Frome from its source at Evershot to Dorchester. Once complete the walk will extend to the mouth of the Frome at Poole Harbour.
The trail passes through Maiden Newton, Bradford Peveril and Charminster following existing rights of way as close as possible to the Frome.
There is plenty to enjoy for wildlife lovers with Kingfisher, Sandmartin, Otter, Water Vole and damselfly often sighted by the Frome. |
| Liberty Trail |  | 28 miles (45 km) | Follow in the footsteps of the villagers that made their way to join the Protestant Monmouth Rebellion in 1685.
The route starts at Ham Hill Country Park where you will find splendid views of the Mendip Hills, Blackdown Hills, Quantock Hills and Dorset Downs. From here you head south through West Chinnock, Haselbury Plucknett, Misterton and Wayford before coming to Forde Abbey. This former Cistercian monastery has 30 acres of award winning gardens and is well worth a look. The route continues towards Thorncombe and then onto Fishpond Bottom via Lambert's Castle Iron Age hill fort. The final stretch takes you past Wooton Fitzpaine to Lyme Regis on the coast. |
| North Dorset Trailway |  | 17 miles (27 km) | This splendid walking and cycling path runs along a dismantled railway line from Stalbridge to Spetisbury in Dorset.
The path has regular views of the River Stour following it for most of the route. You will pass through a series of pretty villages and towns including Sturminster Newton, Stourpaine and Blandford Forum before finishing at Crawford Castle at Spetisbury. |
| Purbeck Way |  | 15 miles (24 km) | This beautiful walk takes you from Wareham to Swanage giving splendid views of the Purbeck Hills and the Dorset coast.
The route starts with a lovely waterside stertch along the River Frome from Wareham. You then enter Stoborough Heath where you will pass the Blue Pool - a flooded, disused clay pit. Shortly after you arrive at the pretty village of Corfe Castle with its ruined 10th century castle of the same name. The path then leads you through Corfe Common and onto the stunning Dorset coast where you join the South West Coast Path. The final coastal section takes you past the beautiful Chapman's Pool, through Durlston Country Park to the finish point at Swanage. |
| Rempstone Ride |  | 12 miles (20 km) | This is a lovely, largely traffic free cycle or walk across Rempstone Heath.
The route begins at Norden Station and soon enters the peaceful Rempstone Estate with its woodland, fields and heathland. On exiting the estate there are two alternative paths you can follow. The first heads towards the Sandbanks ferry with splendid views of Poole harbour. The other takes you to Studland with its fabulous beaches and attractive coastline. Either of these make good alternative starting points for the ride although the Sandbanks ferry will be more accessible for most.
Cyclists should use a mountain bike or hybrid as the off road tracks on Rempstone Heath are quite bumpy and sandy in places. Most of this route takes place on the traffic free Rempstone estate so is also suitable for walkers. |
| River Parret Trail |  | 50 miles (80 km) | Follow the River Parrett from the source in Chedington in Dorset to the mouth in Bridgwater Bay, Somerset.
The route first heads to Langport passing Haselbury and the 16th century English Heritage owned Muchelney Abbey. You continue north through Langport and onto Burrowbridge where you will pass the interesting geological and historical site at Burrow Mump. The river then takes you towards Bridgwater passing the Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum. This Industrial Heritage museum is dedicated to steam powered machinery and makes for a fascinating few hours.
The final section takes you through Bridgwater and Combwich before finishing at the beautiful Steart Nature Reserve on Bridgwater Bay. |
| Rodwell Trail |  | 2 miles (3 km) | The Rodwell Trail is a nice easy off road trail through Weymouth using a disused railway path. After passing through the Rodwell district of Weymouth you join a lovely coastal stretch at the ruins of 16th century Sandsfoot Castle and the beautiful Sandsfoot Cove. From here the path runs along the coast to the Ferry Bridge that you can cross to the Isle of Portland.
There is a variety of wildlife to be found on the trail, including Kingfishers, Redwings and Great Crested Grebes. Plantlife includes Foxgloves, Bluebells and Meadow Buttercups.
The trail is suitable for walkers and cyclists looking for a safe off road route. |
| Sika Trail |  | 7 miles (11 km) | This signed off road trail takes you on a tour of the peaceful Wareham Forest in Dorset.
You will pass through the high forest and open heath of the area with its variety of wildlife. Look out for crossbills and sand lizards as you make your way around this 7 mile circular ride.
This trail is suitable for families with older children as the trail is relativley flat but has a couple of climbs. The trail is signed for its duration and though it is advertised as a cycle trail it is also suitable for walkers. |
| Stour Valley Way |  | 60 miles (97 km) | This splendid walk takes you along the River Stour from Hengistbury Head on the Dorset south coast to Stourton in Wiltshire.
You begin at Hengistbury Head and head inland through Christchurch and then on towards Wimborne Minster via Canford Magna. The route continues through Blandford Forum, Child Okeford and Sturminster Newton. The final section passes Gillingham before finishing at Stourton near the splendid Stourhead Estate and gardens. |
| Wareham Forest Way |  | 13 miles (21 km) | Follow the Wareham Forest Way from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall on this pleasant walk
You start on the River Frome in Wareham and head north to Wareham Forest for a lovely wooded section through the heart of the forest. This section takes you through Wareham town, Wareham common and the River Piddle Valley before passing through the conifer plantations of the forest and its abundance of wildlife.
After leaving the forest behind you pass through Old Park and East Morden before coming to the finish point at Sturminster Marshall.
This walk is waymarked with signs along the length of the route.
For more information on this walking route please click here |
| Wessex Ridgeway |  | 137 miles (221 km) | This wonderful trail runs from Marlborough in Wiltshire to Lyme Regis on the Jurassic coast in Dorset.
You will pass:
- Overton Down
- The mystical Avebury stone circles
- The White Horse at Bratton
- Wardour Castle ruins
- Ibberton Hill with splendid views
-The Vale of Pewsey
- Salisbury Plain
-Pilsdon Pen - with panoramic views of Marshwood Vale
- Cerne Abbas Giant.
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| Wessex Ridgeway Trail |  | 62 miles (100 km) | Follow the Wessex Ridgeway Trail and enjoy specatular views of the Dorset countryside on this shared walking and cycling path.
The trail begins at Tollard Royal in Wiltshire and heads to Hambledon Hill passing through Ashmore Wood and crossing the River Iwerne on the way.
A short section along the river Stour and a wooded spell through Blandford Forest take you to Ibberton and then onto Up Cerne and Maiden Newton. You then head to Beaminster before passing through the beautiful Marshwood Vale and finishing on the jurassic coast at Lyme Regis. |
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| Dorset Walking Links |
| Name | Description |
| Dorset AONB | Quality site that covers the area in depth |
| Dorset for you | Cycling and Walking information in the area |
| Jurrasic Coast | The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is England's first natural World Heritage Site - it is known as The Jurassic Coast |
| Lulworth Estate | Information on this beautiful estate in Dorset |
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Photos provided by Panoramio. Photos are under the copyright of their owners.