The best walks and hikes in Dorset

Explore a variety of landscapes

Over 40% of this stunning county is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making all the walks in Dorset rather gorgeous affairs.The underlying geology is part of what gives this area such phenomenal landscapes, with its vast chalk escarpments, limestone hills and prehistoric coastline. By the sea, you can see the natural arches, sea stacks and coves of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and the Old Harry Rocks. The immense shingle barrier of Chesil Beach and its companion, the Isle of Portland in the south, offer a completely different landscape from the rolling hills in the county’s north. 

On the Isle of Purbeck – which is not an island at all – you can explore swathes of heathland home to rare reptiles, butterflies and plants. Within the natural inlet of Poole Harbour, seek out the red squirrels on Brownsea Island or explore the dunes and nature reserve of Studland. 

Seek out history

You don’t need to go on many hikes in Dorset before you catch a glimpse of its ancient settlers. Neolithic remains such as long barrows, tumuli and hillforts litter the countryside and make for fun objectives to search for in the landscape. The county has no fewer than 35 hillforts, including a few of the most exquisite: Maiden Castle, Badbury Rings and Hambledon Hill. Elsewhere, Corfe Castle is one of the most iconic in the area and some of the best hiking trails in Dorset include it. Brownsea, Sherborne and Highcliffe Castles are each unique and fascinating in their own right.

Walking with wildlife

Thanks to its vast range of landscapes and habitats, Dorset is home to an immense array of wildlife, from reptiles and butterflies to hawks, deer, migratory birds and the adorable red squirrel. With binoculars, you might get particularly lucky and spy dolphins along the coast; these marvellous mammals make regular visits and are sometimes spotted in Poole Harbour as well as along the coastline.