Local Guide to the Best Walks in Dorset
The Anchor Inn is located just seconds from the beach at Seatown. The pub stocks a varied selection of real ales from Palmers Brewery which is just up the road at Bridport and has been supplying West Dorset since 1794. Not only do they serve excellent food and drinks but also offer accommodation with all rooms having stunning sea views.
The Anchor Inn
Seatown, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6JU
Tel 01297 489215
opening hours Mon-Sun 12:00-22:00
Moor Crichel is a small village located on Cranborne Chase five miles east of Blandford Forum. Its main attraction is the avenue of beech trees just outside the village. The village is home to Crichel House and surrounding estate which also includes the church of St Mary (not open to the public).
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Manswood is a small hamlet located 1 mile north west of Witchampton and 1 mile west of Moor Crichel in the soft rolling hills of Cranborne Chase. Manswood Walk is a circular walk that takes you through conifer plantations, coppiced woods and arable farmland.
Distance: 3.5 miles Circular walk
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 1 hour 45 mins
Date of walk: late August 2022
Map: OS Explorer 118
OS Maps of Dorset: Ordnance Survey offer two types of paper map of Dorset depending on the level of detail required: the OS Explorer series is better for walkers and off-road mountain biking while the OS Landranger series is less detailed and better for touring or long distance walks and biking (see details below). The good news is that Ordnance Survey now include a free digital download of each map that can be viewed using their OS Maps App for your phone (iPhone and Android).
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Maiden Castle is the largest Iron Age hill fort in Britain and lies just outside Dorchester. It is owned by English Heritage but entrance is free, so is the car park. This short Maiden Castle Walk is an easy stroll around the banks and ditches of the hill fort offering beautiful views of rolling south Dorchester countryside.
Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 1 hour
Date of walk: 31 August 2022
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
Worth Matravers is a picturesque village situated on the cliffs 4 miles west of Swanage and 4 miles south of Corfe Castle. It comprises limestone cottages and farm houses set around the village green complete with duckpond. The village is also well known for the Square and Compass pub which has operated since 1793. The pub accommodates a small museum exhibiting fossils and other local artefacts.
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Worth Matravers BH19 3LF (Google Map)
The Square and Compass is the perfect finish for many coastal walks in the Worth Matravers region and also a popular stopping off point for walkers on the South West Coast Path.
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This circular walk from the village of Worth Matravers follows a well made track downhill to the old stone quarry at Winspit. It then turns west to join the South West Coast Path walking along the exposed clifftops to reach St. Aldhelm’s Head with its small chapel and Coastguard Lookout Station.
Distance: 4.4 miles (circular walk)
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ascent: 558ft, Highest point: 440ft