Hiking Dorset in a writer's footsteps — the Hardy Way

This initial stage of the Hardy Way is a little undulating but not noticeably and takes you through classic Dorset heathland landscapes. With charming place names, peaceful fields and vibrant woodlands, this is a serene introduction to the trail. There’s almost nothing in the way of sustenance en route… read more

This stage spends most of its time wandering southwards across heathland, through plantations and crosses two rivers. The only place to get food is Bere Regis at the start and Wool at the end, so plan accordingly.



Leave Bere Regis and hike east, up to Woodbury hillfort. From here, walk through Bere Wood… read more

This stage meanders south over Dorset’s undulating chalk downland, all the way to the coast. The gradients are largely gentle and the scenery is largely rolling grassy hills. The only food available is in Wool and Lulworth so take lunch with you.



Leave Wool to the south east across fields and through… read more

This delightful stage follows the coastline and has exceptional views of Lyme Bay and Portland. However, it traverses the Lulworth Firing Range, and as a result, can only be walked on (most) weekends and public holidays. To check the times, head to the government’s website here: gov.uk/government/publications/lulworth-access-times… read more

This stage takes you to one of Purbeck’s most famous places: Corfe Castle. This stage is perhaps one of the most quintessentially Purbeck, if not Dorset. With chalk hills, heathland and rivers, it’s stunning, peaceful and there are plenty of bird-spotting opportunities.



Start at Kingston and hike north… read more

This stage explores some of Dorset’s majestic heathland and spends a lot of time in Wareham Forest, already featured briefly on the Hardy Way. With plantations, heath and typical sandy earth, this landscape makes for lovely walking. The route has nowhere to buy lunch on the way, so stock up before you… read more

The landscape on this stage deviates from the heathland of the previous stages and lies on the edge of the chalk downlands but without the marked downs of Purbeck. You hike through gentle, quainter landscapes here with little villages, the River Stour and ornate country mansions.



Start in Lytchett Matravers… read more

Enjoy gently undulating landscapes across the rural fields alongside the River Allen. This hike includes an ancient hillfort, a Roman road and some wonderful old houses and mills. There are a couple of pubs a little off the trail on this hike but it’s wise to take your lunch with you.



Leave Wimborne… read more

Hiking from village to village, this section takes in mostly pretty, pastoral countryside and some lovely historic houses. A short stage, there’s nowhere to get sustenance while walking apart from a pub in Cranborne, so it’s best to plan ahead.



Leave Wimborne St Giles via fields and lanes to Cranborne… read more

The section winds its way across fields, through forests, over hills and through quaint villages in a landscape rich is history. Keen-eyed hikers will spot tumuli, cross dykes and earthworks dating back thousands of years.



Leave Sixpenny Handley along Dean Lane before cutting across fields to reach Chase… read more

With the wonderful town of Shaftesbury near the beginning of this hike, there’s plenty of exploration to be had of both rural and urban varieties. The hike starts fairly high up before descending after the town and remaining low lying.



Head west from Ludwell and before you know it you arrive in Shaftesbury… read more

This hike takes in the rivers Stour and Divelish, meandering through gorgeous countryside past historic settlements and across peaceful farmland. Largely flat, it’s as easy on the thighs as it is on the eyes and Sturminster Marshall makes a nice spot to stop for a snack.



Head south from Marnhull across… read more

This is the kind of hike that you spend in total bliss, ambling along without a care in the world, simply listening to the birds in the trees and the cows in the fields. Quiet lanes, gentle hills and fantastic views dominate this rural walk.



Leave Hazelbury Bryan and hike south across fields to the village… read more

This undulating stage wanders about all over the place; up hills, through woodlands, past villages and rarely in the same direction as the previous mile. You’ll get lovely views as well as peaceful walking; typical for the Hardy Way.



Head out of Buckland Newton up Ridge Hill and follow the ridgeline… read more

This stage is gently hilly almost all the time; you’re either going up or you’re going down. The landscape is typically bucolic and there are several opportunities to spot historic places. Lanes and fields carry you all the way to Beaminster and there’s little in the way of pubs en route, so take your… read more

From the country to the coast, this stage takes you more or less due south to the sea. Fields, rivers and pretty little villages are the sites along here and there’s a reasonable choice of pubs on or just off the route if you want a hot lunch.



Hike south from Beaminster to Netherbury and onwards, passing… read more

The stage is a long, breathtaking cliff-top extravaganza. This section of the coastline is more or less dead straight and there’s little in the way of undulation until you turn in at West Bexington; which requires hiking up a rather significant hill.



Hike out of West Bay along the cliff path toward Burton… read more

This hike spends half its time enjoying the gently undulating chalk landscapes and half its time gazing at the phenomenal Chesil Beach and the sea beyond. There’s not much in the way of hills and I’ve ended the stage right at the causeway to Portland. This allows you to choose to stay in Fortuneswell… read more

This stage takes place entirely on the Isle of Portland, connected only to the mainland by a road bridge and a strip of beach: Chesil Beach. This island is a fascinating place and well worth doing a full loop of. Portland stone is quarried here and used nationwide, it’s a part of the Jurassic Coast… read more

This stage spends much of its time in Weymouth and I’ve purposefully left it fairly short so you can explore this historic seaside town. With several castles, a large harbour and a lovely beach, the town deserves some time over its attractions. After, you hike out to the north east to Preston.



Head along… read more