10 of the best Dorset walking routes

The list by alltrails.com includes routes to suit a variety of fitness levels, from exercise fanatics to those who prefer a more leisurely pace, and range from woodland hikes, coastal routes and country pub walks.

1. Golden Cap (Bridport, Dorset, 4.1-mile)

A scenic South Coast walk with picturesque views of the bay towards Charmouth and to the east of Chesil Beach. The circular walk commences at the dog-friendly, beachfront pub Anchor Inn, the perfect place to end your hike once you've completed the loop.

Level: Moderate

Stunning views from Golden Cap in west Dorset (Image: Alltrails)

2. Jurassic Coast Kimmeridge Circular (Purbeck, Dorset, 14.5-km):

This walk has panoramic views along the Jurassic coast in the Purbeck hills, trailing through fields and across the coast. Swyre Head makes for an idyllic sunset spot. You can follow the track back to The Scott Arms pub in Kingston, which overlooks Corfe castle, for a post-hike pint.

Level: Moderate

Views over the Jurassic coast (Image: alltrails)

3. Abbotsbury Hills and Coast (Abbotsbury 7.9-mile):

This is a circular walk from the picturesque Dorset village of Abbotsbury with its plentiful supply of stone thatched cottages. The walk climbs up to the South Dorset Ridgeway, which gives stunning views over a long stretch of coast, before heading down through the tiny village of West Bexington and back to Abbotsbury along the South West Coast Path alongside Chesil Beach.

Level: Moderate

A rewarding view across Abbotsbury hills (Image: NQ)

4. Thomas Hardy Trail (Near Portesham, Dorset 6.5-mile):

A circular walk within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 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). This walk has something for everyone with rolling hills, sea views and lots of wildlife.

Level: Moderate

The Thomas Hardy trail has something for everyone (Image: alltrails)

5. Symondsbury Circular (Bridport, Dorset, 4.5-mile):

This trail is a great place to reconnect with nature. The circular route starts at The Ilchester Arms, a traditional 16th-century country pub, and has views stretching out to sea.

Level: Moderate

A 16th-century Dorset pub is a feature of this route (Image: alltrails)

6. Leweston Hill (Beaminster, Dorset, 2.4km):

If you're looking for a quintessential view over Dorset, you'll find it when you reach the top of Leweston Hill. Leweston Hill is the highest point in Dorset with views between old beech trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea. Expect beautiful wooded areas and country lanes.

Level: Moderate

The views are worth the climb (Image: alltrails)

7. Langdon Hill and Golden Cap (Bridport, Dorset, 4.5-mile):

Circular route in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that takes you around the base of Langdon Hill and then up to the peak of Golden Cap and the Earl of Antrim Memorial. There's a mix of woodlands and open terrain to explore. A fairly steep incline makes the sweeping coastal views from the top of the peak well worth the effort.

Level: Easy

Sweeping coastal views in west Dorset (Image: alltrails.com)

8. Old Harry Rocks and Studland Circular (Swanage, Dorset, 6.4-mile):

The Old Harry Rocks are three chalk formations, including a stack and a stump, located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. They mark the most Eastern point on the Jurassic Coast, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A great way to get outdoors and explore the incredible coastline we have on these Isles.

Level: Moderate

Dorset's rugged Jurassic coast makes this a spectacular walk (Image: alltrails.com)

9. Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door and Ringstead Bay (11.6-km):

This route takes in the scenic coastal path with breathtaking views of Durdle Door, White Nothe and Ludlow Cove, with some really secluded spots.

Level: Moderate

Breathtaking views of Durdle Door (Image: alltrails.com)

10. The Osmington White Horse Circular Walk (Weymouth, Dorset, 4.4-mile):

A loop walk visiting the picturesque village of Sutton Poyntz and the famous Osmington White Horse with King George as its rider. Climb to the highest point of the trail to gaze at views over to the Weymouth coast. Stop at The Springhead pub for ultimate hiking satisfaction.

Level: Moderate

Famous Weymouth landmark the Osmington White Horse (Image: alltrails.com)

Published with thanks to AllTrails - an online platform which helps people explore the outdoors through hand-curated trail maps.