15 STUNNING DOG WALKS IN DORSET
Dorset, located in southwestern England, is a favorite vacation spot for Britons. Reasons for this include the county’s pleasant year-round temperatures, its abundance of scenic rural areas, and its proximity to numerous stunning beaches. In fact, more than half of the county has been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a fantastic place to experience the natural world.
A large portion of Dorset is rural because half of the county’s population is concentrated in the urban area and because no major highways cross the county.
blog-ctablog-cta FIND THE YUMMY NUTRITION FOR YOUR DOG.
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Every one of Dorset’s many dog walks is bound to be a breathtaking and unforgettable experience, and you won’t be short on options. Whether you’re in the mood to stroll along the Jurassic Coast or take a ramble through some farmland, you’ll be able to find the perfect landscape and route for your stroll.
In order to keep the countryside looking nice so that visitors like yourselves can continue to enjoy it, please pick up after yourself and your dog.
COUNTRY & COUNTRY PARK WALKS
THE RODWELL TRAIL (AND SANDSFOOT CASTLE)
Stunning Dog Walks in Dorset: 15 Options
Dog walking in Dorset Dog walking in Dorset
Jogs with the dog
February 27, 2020
Written by Pure Pet Food – Our editorial process
Dorset, located in southwestern England, is a favorite vacation spot for Britons. Reasons for this include the county’s pleasant year-round temperatures, its abundance of scenic rural areas, and its proximity to numerous stunning beaches. In fact, more than half of the county has been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a fantastic place to experience the natural world.
A large portion of Dorset is rural because half of the county’s population is concentrated in the urban area and because no major highways cross the county.
blog-ctablog-cta FIND THE YUMMY NUTRITION FOR YOUR DOG.
Check it out and read on
Every one of Dorset’s many dog walks is bound to be a breathtaking and unforgettable experience, and you won’t be short on options. Whether you’re in the mood to stroll along the Jurassic Coast or take a ramble through some farmland, you’ll be able to find the perfect landscape and route for your stroll.
In order to keep the countryside looking nice so that visitors like yourselves can continue to enjoy it, please pick up after yourself and your dog.
Country and park strolls
Dorset dog walks on the THE RODWELL TRAIL (AND SANDSFOOT CASTLE) Trail Rodwell Doggy strolls along Rodwell Trail in Dorset
The Rodwell Trail connects Weymouth and Ferrybridge with a bikeable and pedestrian-friendly paved trail that was built along a decommissioned railroad corridor. Regular events are held all year long by the Friends of the Rodwell Trail, who also maintain the trail and the nearby Sandsfoot Castle.
It’s not far from the path to Sandsfoot Castle. The construction of the castle was ordered by King Henry VIII so that it could keep an eye on and safeguard the ships docked in Portland Harbour. Now in ruins, you and Fido are free to explore the area. If you’d want to take a break and enjoy the scenery with a cup of coffee or tea, there’s a cafe right outside.
The path boasts unequalled views across Portland, which explains why the castle was erected here. You can stop for refreshments and to use facilities locally in Weymouth or Ferrybridge, so you’ve got lots of choice when it comes for a pit-stop or tasty treat. This hike is perfect for vacationers who don’t want to rent a car because it’s a short distance from the railway station.
Distance Covered on Foot: 4.1 mi
Difficulty: Easy
The Jubilee Clock Tower is the Starting Point (Or the train station 400m away)
Paths, grassland, and a park’s worth of greenery make up the park’s terrain.
Lack of Free Parking:
The address is Radipole Park Drive, Weymouth, DT4 7TY.
FORDINGTON
Lovely short trek through meadows and along the banks of the River Frome. It’s close to Dorchester’s downtown, yet the walk makes you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Simply park at the very end of Lubbecke Way, take a short walk across the bridge, and then enjoy some off-leash playtime in the fields beyond.
The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester is a great place to take kids or anyone looking for a unique stop along the way. Dogs are welcome in the museum if they are well-behaved and on leashes, however admission is at the museum’s discretion. If you do decide to go, you’re in for a rousing stroll that you won’t soon forget.
Distance of a 3.2k Walk
Effort Level: Low
Initiation: Lubbecke Way
Surface: level and field-like
Assume it’s free if you park there.
Postal Code: DT1 1QL Lubbecke Way, Dorchester
UPTON COUNTRY PARK
Everyone can find something they want to do in this gorgeous park located close to Poole. Beautiful gardens surround a restored Georgian mansion, and there’s a brand-new adventure playground for the kids. You can go in many different directions within the park, including along the water’s edge. The main parking lot features a self-service dog wash in case your pet becomes dirty throughout the course of your walk.
There are sections of this beautiful country park that are dog-free or require that dogs be on leash at all times, but there are also vast stretches where your dog is free to run and play. An enclosed “training area” provides a secure setting for canine activities like practicing recall or simply gaining comfort with going off leash on walks in the park.
Walk Length: Various
Effort Level: Low
Choose a parking lot as your starting point.
Paths, grassland, and a park’s worth of greenery make up the park’s terrain.
Location: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJ Cost: Free Parking: No
TOUT QUARRY
If you’re looking for somewhere a little out of the ordinary to take your dog for a stroll, look no further than Tout Quarry. The lands quarry wasted and is now a natural reserve and sculpture trail, although it was once used to extract the famed Portland Stone. Over seventy sculptures were carved out of the leftover limestone, each of which can be interpreted in numerous ways. An accompanying information board provides further context. Dogs are permitted in the quarry so long as they are leashed at all times.
As well as the sculptures you’ll discover plenty of animals here as well as lovely views over Portland Harbour and Chesil Beach. You and your dog are more than welcome at Quiddles cafe in Fortuneswell, which is a short walk away. The quarry may be reached from the South West Coastal Path, making it a convenient resting spot for hikers on that path.
Total Distance: 1.6 Kilometers
Effort Level: Low
Starting Point: Tout Quarry car park
Slopes, stone paths, and flats make up the varied landscape.
Assume it’s free if you park there.
Postal Code and Address: DT5 2LN Tout Quarries, Portland, Dorset
CERNE ABBAS (AND THE LOCAL GIANT)
The Cerne Abbas giant, at over 60 meters, is likely the tallest individual you will ever see. There is a lot of mystery around this old carving in the hill’s chalk. Not even the creators, the motivations, or the time frame of its creation are known. We do know, however, that it is the largest chalk sculpture in Britain and that it has stood here for millennia. It’s arguably the most famous, too. But then again, it is very hard to forget…
The neighboring and scenic village of Cerne Abbas is the excellent site to start your trip, where you can enjoy a short stroll up to the giant’s foot.
There is a picnic place beside the viewing point which gives you the best vantage point of the mammoth. There are also tea houses and pubs in the hamlet such as the New Inn and Royal Oak, where your pup can join you for some rest and refreshment. The New Inn is a magnificent historic coach house and also offers lodging. (The beauty of the pet-friendly accommodation is unmatched!)
Walk Length: 3.5k
Effort Level: Low
Starting Point: Car park
Terrain: Paths, flat, level, slopes
Assume it’s free if you park there.
Kettle Road, Dorchester, DT2 7GY is the address.
WOODLAND WALKS
WAREHAM FOREST WAY
The broad space in this lovely terrain is perfect for letting your dog run around leash-free. Although it seems more like a region of the Southeast than any other part of Dorset, this hidden gem of a landscape is stunning and deserves your attention.
The Wareham Forest Tourist Park is conveniently located and features several amenities, including a huge, fenced-in area for dogs to run about in. If you decide to treat yourself to an ice cream cone while strolling through the park, your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the fun because the park’s cafe sells doggy ice cream, too!
Time Required: Three or Eleven Kilometers
Effort Level: Low
The parking lot at the beginning of the Sika Trail.
Heath, pathways, and slopes describe the landscape.
Assume it’s free if you park there.
In the UK, at Coldharbour, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7EJ.
PUDDLETOWN FOREST & THORNCOMBE WOOD
We love the name Puddletown. It has the feel of a classic children’s book in which the citizens are animals. The truth is that you get the same impression when you go there. There’s certainly a lot of wildlife in this gorgeous woodland near the picturesque community of Puddletown, which is full with chocolate box cottages.
Even though you’re in a forest, getting around is no sweat because to the smooth paths and mild inclines. You may start your walk in the woods from any of the many parking spots, and your dog will enjoy the freedom to run and play in the underbrush.
There are no amenities in the forest but there are those at the neighboring tourist centre where you start and end the trek. The restrooms and cafe at Hardy’s Cottage may only be open during certain times of the year. Puddletown is home to The Blue Vinny, a bar and restaurant where you and your dog are welcome to relax and have a meal or a drink.
Since Dorset isn’t exactly flush with wooded trails, a visit to Hardy’s Birthplace and this woodland dog walk in the county makes for a memorable outing.
Pace: 8 kilometers
Effort Level: Low
Starting Point: Visitor centre
Paths, woods, grass, and heath are the types of landscape you’ll encounter.
Parking is free at the Puddletown Wood entry points, but not at the visitor center.
Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, Thorncombe Wood, Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH.
DUNCLIFFE WOODS
When looking for a wooded area to take your dog for a stroll, look no further than Duncliffe woods, one of the oldest and largest forests in north Dorset. You and Fido will adore strolling through these relic trees. Your dog will love running free between the trees and sniffing out the different species that call the forest home on the many routes that wind through it.
Once you’ve finished your stroll, you may hop in the car and head to Aylesbury. Gold Hill is the steep, cobblestone street featured prominently in the Hovis commercial, and it can be accessed here. The view from the hill is “one of the most romantic in England” and makes the walk uphill more than worthwhile. The good news is that strolling with a dog is less of a chore than pedaling a bike loaded down with loaves of bread. Usually.
Walk Length: 7.4km
Effort Level: Low
Starting Point: Duncliffe car park
trails, woods, hills, and level ground
Assume it’s free if you park there.
Postal code: SP7 0QJ, Hawkers Lane, Stour Row
WATERSIDE WALKS
DURDLE DOOR
You can’t make a list of Dorset hikes without including Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, and the same goes for lists that include dogs. Not only is the famed stone arch located in this cove, but dogs are also permitted on the beach all year long, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll by the water.
Walking from the parking lot will reward you with a breathtaking panorama of Durdle Door and the water. The water is usually a beautiful shade of blue and crystal clear, making it ideal for canoeing or kayaking by anyone, whether on two or four feet.
Lulworth is a popular vacation destination for individuals and their dogs because of how welcoming the town is to canine guests. You can bring your dog into many establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. A dog-friendly ice cream is available at the ice cream shop, so you and your pet can share a refreshing treat while relaxing on the beach. If you have a few days to spare, you and your dog can take in Lulworth Castle and its expansive grounds.
You can take as long or as little of a stroll as you like.
Slopes are not difficult, but they are steep.
Place to park at Lulworth Cove
Natural Environment: Beach, No Obstacles With no parking,
Please write to us at: Durdle Door Holiday Park, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5PU
TYNEHAM AND WORBARROW BAY
This is the forgotten village of the past. The villagers of Tyneham were evacuated by the army in 1943, and the village has remained in the same state as when the last inhabitants left during World War II.
The church and the school have been restored and are now housing exhibits about the history of the community and its inhabitants.
Worbarrow Bay is an attractive and isolated beach just a short stroll from the village. The bay’s tranquility is preserved by the fact that it is inaccessible from everywhere apart from the village. Since the MOD owns and manages the land and only opens it to the public on certain weekends and bank holidays, the whole area is usually quiet and remote. Find out if and when you can make the trip to the village and go there as soon as you can!
There are no permanent residents in the village, therefore the closest restrooms are at the nearby Tyneham farm, and a picnic spot is located next to the parking lot.
Distance of a 4K Hike
Effort Required: Low to Moderate
Tyneham Village Car Park is the Starting Point.
Village, railroad tracks, and beach.
Free Yes, there is parking available.
The following is the address for MOD Ranges: East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QF
EYPE BEACH
This gorgeous stretch of coastline is sometimes neglected in favour of nearby Lyme Regis. Eype Beach, therefore, is much quieter than its nearby beaches yet with all the splendor of the Jurassic Coast. Another plus is that dogs are allowed on this beach year-round, making it one of the most serene beach dog walks in Dorset.
It’s easy to see why Eype Beach is so popular as a place to take a canine companion on a stroll: there’s lots of space to run around on the pebbles, the opportunity to play in the waves, and the possibility of having the beach all to yourself.
If you are thirsty, you can stop at one of the bars, stores, or tea rooms in neighboring Eype or West Bay, or you can easily drive to adjacent Bridport or Lyme Regis. In fact, you may try walking to or from Bridport to this gorgeous, quiet beach.
Duration of a 6.1km Walk (to Bridport)
The level of difficulty is low.
Parking lot by Eype’s Mouth.
Environment: sand, rocks, and trails
Parking is free?
Eype, Bridport, DT6 6AL, South West Coast Path
WAREHAM
The Frome and the Piddle rivers are both included in this circular waterside dog path. One of the most fantastic names you’ve ever heard, right? Both paths, two and four miles long, allow you to take in the wetlands and all their fauna as you wander along both rivers. Some otters may even make an appearance. Given the terrain, make sure you have shoes you’re happy to get wet and dirty.
This is an excellent walk to stretch your legs and blow off the cobwebs as a pit-stop if you are going down to Corfe Castle or Swanage. Both hikes start in Wareham, where you can find several beautiful pubs like the Kings Arms and the Old Granary. Both are pleased for your dogs to join you and serve fantastic meals, ideal for a short dinner before the next part of your tour.
Walk Length: 3.2km or 6.4km
The level of difficulty is low.
It all kicks off in Wareham Quay.
Paths, wetland, and other landscape features
Lack of Free Parking:
Postal Code: BH20 4LP Wareham Town, Wareham
GUNDIMORE BEACH
Dogs are welcome all year long on the stunning Gundimore beach. Your dog will have a blast at the beach, whether he or she like to romp in the sand, run down the shore, or even take a dip in the ocean. To pass the time, you can gaze at the distant Mudeford sandbank or catch a glimpse of the Isle of Wight to the east.
Several establishments, including a mobile store on the boardwalk, are conveniently located close for purchasing refreshments. The Haven House Inn, located right next to the parking lot, welcomes dogs and provides the ideal setting for unwinding with a beverage. This watering hole has a history of ghost sightings and may appeal to believers in the paranormal.
Distance Walkn: Any Distance You Choose
The level of difficulty is low.
Place of Departure: Parking Lot at Mudeford Quay
Paths, sand, and a sandy beach are some of the surfaces you’ll encounter.
Lack of Free Parking:
Postal Code: BH23 4AB, Christchurch
HILL WALKS
GOLDEN CAP
Why not reach the highest peak on the south coast for your next dog walk in Dorset? You can see Golden Cap from miles away, and hiking up its steep slopes is both a rewarding experience and a physical challenge. From the level top of this hill, you can take in sweeping vistas of the farms below and the miles of Jurassic coast beyond. Since this is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing, you could spot some paddlers out on the water.
There are many of local amenities you can visit before and after you climb Golden Cap. Pubs, cafes, restrooms, and stores may be found in Seatown and Charmouth, two neighboring communities. There are also several picnic places spread among the towns and hills. Also available at Stonebarrow are restrooms and a National Trust gift shop.
While the official starting point of the hike is at the campground, you may also begin it at Eype’s Mouth, cutting the distance and allowing you and your dog a chance to enjoy one of our dogs’ other favorite things: a stroll on the beach in Dorset.
Distance of a Walk: 7.2Km
Attempting this will be a significant challenge.
Parking lot by Eype’s Mouth.
Terrain: Hills, farmland, heathland
Parking is free?
Eype, Bridport, DT6 6AL, South West Coast Path
EGGARDON HILL
You’d be hard-pressed to find a hike with more stunning vistas than Eggardon Hill. This upward stroll will provide you and your dog with beneficial exercise while also providing you with scenic vistas and ample space for your dog to run in. It’s definitely one of the most gorgeous picnic locations too, so be sure to pack a lunch. You might need it after all your trekking as otherwise, you’ll need to venture to nearby Askerwell or Bridport for refreshments.
You start and finish in Askerwell where you may visit the Spyway Inn, a smuggler’s inn where you and your pooch will receive a warm welcome.
Atop the hill, not only do you have breathtaking views, but you also have incredible historical significance. You can hear several tales of smugglers and visit the site of an Iron Age fort. To begin, Isaac Gulliver, also known as “the gentle smuggler,” erected a circle of trees atop the neighboring hill to serve as a landmark for smugglers. An informative National Trust board on the area’s history and fauna can be found during your stroll.
Time Required: 10km
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Church of St Michael and All Angels, Askerwell
Hilly, open, and uneven; free parking is available.
Address: Nallers Lane, Askerswell, Bridport, DT2 9EJ
Dorset Magazine, the National Trust, West Bay, and Dorset in general have more details.
More information about Dorset: Sykes Cottages, The Tourist Trail, Wikipedia, Bournemouth Echo