10 Scenic Walking Areas in Dorset That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including St Aldhelms Head - South West Coast Path walk, South West Coast Path - Dancing Ledge and Langton Matravers, Hambledon Hill, South West Coast Path - Abbotsbury Castle, Langdon Hill and St Gabriel's Chapel Walk, Portland Harbour, South West Coast Path - Heaven's Gate at Kimmeridge Bay, Agglestone Rock, Badbury Rings, St Michaels Church.
Restaurants in Dorset
1. St Aldhelms Head - South West Coast Path walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
A 5.1 mile South West Coast Path walk with a round-up of assorted fascinating features around a limestone headland where the chalk grasslands are rich in wildflowers. The angular caves and tunnels in the vertical cliffs are home to the equally rare greater horseshoe bat, as well as doubling as distant planets in various sci-fi films.
Reviewed By VioletT_13 - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Stopped for snack at the Square and Compass Pub Great service and very friendly staff.Walked to StAldhelms Head Fantastic Views. Would have walked further but weather was so hot and we needed a drink
2. South West Coast Path - Dancing Ledge and Langton Matravers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
A 4.7 mile pastoral route taking in the South West Coast Path by hay meadows and flower-filled chalk grasslands, with the possibility of seeing puffins, bats and even dolphins. The steep cliffs have been hollowed out by quarrying of Purbeck limestone, shot through in places with important fossils, and the route follows ancient lanes through crumbling stone boundaries dating back hundreds of years.
Reviewed By SP609 - London, United Kingdom
We walked roughly 10-12 miles along this coastline every day, taking in different areas and it was absolutely stunning. We hope to do it again next year.
3. Hambledon Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By stevedG4887KR - Brussels, Belgium
I love this hill and it’s history. Many years ago I participated in an archaeological dig here and vowed to return! Luckily the weather was excellent and views well worth the climb. We also visited the nearby Hod Hill which is also well worth the effort.
4. South West Coast Path - Abbotsbury Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
A 6 mile rewarding South West Coast Path walk through 5000 years of history, including travelling above the coastline along the South Dorset Ridgeway, a Stone Age route peppered with archaeological remains. Below, St Peter's Abbey was a fifth century holy site. Subtropical gardens, a swannery and a fourteenth century chapel add to the many charms of the picturesque village of Abbotsbury.
5. Langdon Hill and St Gabriel's Chapel Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By WestCountryGreenMan - Worthing, United Kingdom
On Monday my wife and I parked up in Langdon Hill car park and went for a walk up to Golden Cap. It starts off as a lovely wooded walk then across open fields with spectacular views across the local area and up to Golden Cap, where again you are presented with spectacular views. We didn't go down to the ruins of St Gabriel's Church but I have been down there a few times in the past when walking in the area. If you have the time, and energy, to go to St Gabriel's Church I'd recommend it.
6. Portland Harbour
7. South West Coast Path - Heaven's Gate at Kimmeridge Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
A 5.2 mile invigorating walk along a chalk ridge and the South West Coast Path with spectacular views over coast and countryside. The area is rich in history, from the earliest prehistoric times, as well as being of geological importance and having an abundance of wildlife, not forgetting the Tower That Moved. Allow time to browse the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and Kimmeridge village.
Reviewed By 467nickk
Super friendly car park people. It made a really nice difference (discussing the walks with the lady at the toll entrance) to our coastal path walking holiday.
8. Agglestone Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By places2seeplaces2go - England, United Kingdom
Have wanted to walk to Agglestone Rock for some time. Finally in September 2020 we did the circular walk from Studland to Agglestone & back. Parked in a nearby lay-by . But there are plenty of other places to start your walk from. A great walk, not too taxing & plenty to see. The rock itself is huge & quite bizarre. Its like its been dropped from space. Beautiful views.
9. Badbury Rings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By Victoria00010 - Bowness-on-Windermere, United Kingdom
So glad we made this visit. There is lots of interesting information available, the car park is free for national trust members, and the whole site is amazing. A perfect place for the dogs to enjoy the beautiful views whilst we enjoyed the views and stunning countryside on offer.
10. St Michaels Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
A medieval parish church with stunning stained glass and a unique needlework hanging in the chancel. It is surrounded by award winning wildlife churchyard. We have regular Sunday and weekday services, and welcome enquiries in relation to Baptism, Weddings and Funerals.
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