A few of our favourite dog walks in Dorset
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walks in charming Dorset. The Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a glorious jumble of hidden bays, towering golden cliffs and beaches laden with fossils, all wrapped up in breathtaking coastal routes. While inland there are nods to the Romans, cheeky chalk figures and plenty of history and interest peppered around Thomas Hardy country to discover. Dogs and their humans will delight in all the lovely country air and there are dog-friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants to rest weary paws and feet after a good stomp.
Hengistbury Head Circular walk
This is an easy-breezy 3.7-mile walk with options to make it longer if you fancy. The circular route takes you up and over the towering cliffs of the headland, then down to the white sand beach of Mudeford Sandbank, before looping back across the salt marshes that fringe Christchurch Harbour. Starting at Hengistbury Head, a gorgeous headland of golden sandstone where the Stour and Avon rivers meet, you follow the Stour Valley Way on a clearly signposted route. Highlights along the way include a sandstone sculpture by a local artist, stunning cliff top views of The Needles on the Isle of Wight and plenty of bird and wildlife interest.
Cerne Abbas Giant walk
Of all its many charms, Dorset’s chalk giant at Cerne Abbas has got to be near the top of the list. Speculation abounds about the club-wielding, naked giant’s status. Is he a depiction of Hercules, an ancient Pagan fertility symbol or something completely different? One thing archeologists can agree on is his age, as he’s believed to be from the late Saxon period. It’s a blowy, steep slog up to the giant but you’re rewarded with fabulous views over Cerne Valley. Afterwards, follow the river (perfect to cool paws down) and stroll into the village for refreshments in the tea rooms, a pint in one of three pubs or a visit to the Cerne Abbas Brewery. The Benedictine Abbey ruins are worth checking out too.
Dorchester town walk
If you fancy brushing up on your historical knowledge, try this gentle stroll around charming Dorchester. Starting at the library, imagine you’re standing in ‘Durnovaria’ – Dorchester’s Roman name – before walking towards South Walks Road, which runs along the line of the Roman town’s defences. Next stop is the Dorset Martyrs Memorial, a sculpture on the site of the gallows where Catholic martyrs were hanged in the 16th and 17th centuries. Now you walk to St George’s Church, built in the Middle Ages, where in the porch you’ll see a 900-year-old stone carving. Continue to Fordington, which appears in Thomas Hardy’s novel ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’ before heading back into town past the elegant 18th-century Wollaston House for tea and cake in a dog-friendly cafe – Hendover and Vivo Lounge are both good bets.
Rodwell Trail
From Weymouth to Portland, the Rodwell Trail, part of National Cycle Network Route 26, follows a disused passenger railway line, now a wildlife-filled corridor, along a two mile route. The trail is surfaced, which means easy access throughout the year, and very popular with those on two wheels, so dogs should be on a lead. You’ll stroll past old steam train station platforms and the crumbling ruins of Sandsfoot Castle teetering on the cliff edge with far-reaching views across Portland Harbour. Wander the gardens, laid out in Tudor style, and stop at the small cafe for refreshments. Along the trail you’ll spot much wildlife, including birds, plants, butterflies and insects who make the countryside along the route their home. You also have the option to drop down to Chesil Beach.
Kimmeridge Bay walk
A 5.5-mile circular walk starting from the car park (fee paying) where you hop onto the coast path down to Gaulter Gap. If the tide is low, walk onto the beach to the Fine Foundation Marine Centre (an interactive marine wildlife centre) otherwise cross the bridge. Now follow the signs to Chapman’s Pool and go steeply up to Clavell Tower, a Grade II listed Tuscan style tower. From here the ups and downs are more gentle and you’re surrounded by miles of country and sea views fanning out all around. From the tower, follow the path towards Rope Lake Head with its striking band of white running through the stone, then turn into fields that meander back via Swyre Head – the highest point of the Isle of Purbeck. You may come across cows in the fields, so don’t forget a lead.
Written by
Carmen McCormack
Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.
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