Our Favourite Walks in Dorset

Here at Original Cottages Dorset, we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to Dorset walks. With so many places to enjoy in this wonderful county, we have asked our team for their favourite walks in the area.

Cleome - Guest Services Assistant

If you are looking for something for everyone though, the Durlston Country Park is the place to visit.

Based overlooking the seaside town of Swanage, this unique nature reserve is a perfect example of the stunning sights you can see while wandering along the Jurassic coast.  Durlston Castle is the perfect starting point to start your adventure and as you follow the many trails up through the reserve, keep an eye out for the Globe, the Light House and Tilly Whim Caves! 

My pampered pooch Pammie loves exploring this area with us and, while she wasn’t much interested in the Early Purple Orchids I found, she rather enjoyed looking majestically over the hills with her ears flapping in the wind! You could visit a million times and still have more things to discover at Durlston Country park.

Claire - Property Manager

A hill fort, a village, and wonderful views from the Wessex ridgeway, in and around Stoke Abbott

Looking for walk that includes some beautiful West Dorset countryside, a picture postcard village and a great pub, then look no further! 

Stoke Abbott is a very pretty village, just a few miles from Beaminster.  Very popular, with various community events taking place throughout the year, including the summer street fair.

The New Inn is a great pub for a well-deserved rest after your walk 

Pick up an ordnance survey map, and you’ll find plenty of walks from the village; exploring Waddon Hill, or following the Wessex Ridgeway to Beaminster.  Take a look here for more information: http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2015/04/dorset-walk-2-stoke-abbott-and-wadd…  The houses in the village are beautiful, and so a wander through the village is rewarding in itself.  Look out for the lion spring – a great water stop for a thirsty dog!  

Anne-Marie - Dorset Manager

Durlston Country Park to Dancing Ledge and back! ( approx. 2 hour return, 6 mile round trip)

On a sunny day, I love walking from Durlston to Dancing ledge. I started by walking down the Jurassic time line at the country park; it is carved from local stone and is amazing to see how old the world is, and how we as humans have only really been on the earth for a short time. I walk along the path towards the lighthouse, it takes in views of the now disused Tilly Whim caves that are fascinating. It shows how the area was a thriving town, transporting Purbeck stone to London and beyond. It’s a steep climb down the path to the cave, and another climb to the top and the lighthouse- walking shoes essential as the pathway is rocks and steps that are well worn down by other adventurers!  

The lighthouse is not open to the public but is easy to see as you walk past it, and is still in use. I tend to stop near here to look at the view ( get my breath back!) and then carry on down the signposted path to dancing ledge. I love this part of the walk. Some areas are narrow ( in Autumn I walk with my arms in the air to prevent blackberry brambles attacking!) and it can get muddy with no option but to troll through it. Other parts are running alongside a walled field of cows that look fascinated to see strange humans walking when they could be eating, albeit grass! Fellow walkers coming back from the ledge will wait for you to pass, or say a cheery hello if they are going past ( I’m a slow walker – I like looking at what I’m walking past!)

It’s a real up and down walk. As you get near to Dancing Ledge there are a few real climbs but plenty of space to stand and stare at the amazing views; of Durlston behind you, Weymouth and Portland in the distance and the bays nearby. I love taking a cheese roll and apple with me ( as well as water too) and plonking myself at the top of the hill before Dancing Ledge and watching the world go by whilst eating lunch. It is a beautiful spot and makes me feel glad to be alive! Once I am sated, I turn and walk back, ready for anything life ( or a bramble!) can throw at me.

Natalie - Reservations & Admin Assistant

I love going for woodland walks, I think my most favourite which is right on my door step is Wilkswood in Harmans Cross, Dorset. This is a traditional old English wood with beautiful spring flowers, wild garlic and bluebells galore.

Wilkwood is also host to an annual reggae festival during the month of July and offers a stunning wedding venue location. The farm also has a small farm shop selling fresh local meats and produce.

My partner and I have been walking these woods for years with our pooch and have also camped on the odd occasion. There is a fresh water stream which is great in the summer and an abundance of wildlife to enjoy.

Since starting at Original Cottages Dorset, I have had my little boy who also enjoys going for walks with his Mummy, Daddy and Brin the dog.