The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Dorset, England

A spectacular walk on the South West Coast Path that takes you from the village of Studland past the famous landmark of Old Harry – the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site - and on to Swanage.

A 2 mile walk along part of the South West Coast Path from Lulworth Cove to the nearby fossilised forest – highlights of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

A varied 4.7 mile walk classed as Moderate along the South West Coast Path as it heads along the east coast of Portland, passing great scenery, historical forts and old quarry workings. Many of the paths around Portland Bill are accessible for powered wheelchair users and rugged pushchairs. The first ½ mile of this route follows a level wide path, but after this becomes more varied with some steep and uneven sections before reaching Church Ope Cove. From the cove to Portland Heights the path is relatively level apart from one steep climb.

A challenging walk along the South West Coast Path. It is a switchback up and down four hills before returning along a relatively level ridge. It offers great photo opportunities passing some of the geological highlights of the Jurassic Coast. In late Spring and early summer the limestone grassland beside the path is full of rare flowers and clouds of butterflies.

A moderate 3.8 mile stroll along the South West Coast Path around the much-photographed chalk stacks rising spectacularly from the clear water off The Foreland at Studland. The same sea that carved the soft rock into caves and arches also polished the vertical cliffs to a dazzling white. There are far-ranging views over Swanage in one direction and Wareham and Bournemouth in the other. There are some long but gentle climbs and descents.

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.

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.

A brief expedition - 4.7 miles - through many layers of Dorset history, including a Roman temple and villa, as well as a chalk horse carved into the hillside, carrying George III away from Weymouth. There is evidence of ancient agricultural methods at Osmington, and the manor here was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, while its thatched smugglers' inn dates from the thirteenth century. Children will love the white horse and the foundations of the Roman villa. There are some gentle climbs and descents but nothing too strenuous.