Dorset is a must-visit location for those seeking beautifully scenic coastal walks. As well as the drama of the region’s famous Jurassic Coast, there are also plenty of pretty villages, wooded footpaths and quiet lanes to explore.
Lyme Regis Undercliff
This seven-mile Dorset coastal walk is challenging but rewarding. Beginning in Seaton in Devon, the hike passes through the Lyme Regis undercliff, a five-mile-long landscape feature and National Nature Reserve. Those who love to walk in this area, such as Teresa Lines, know that due to the difficulty of access, as well as being densely vegetated, the undercliff has become an unusual and rare habitat for birds and plants. This striking natural feature is also described in the popular novel The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles.
Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks Linear Walk
Terri Lines, who lives in Dorset, appreciates moderate walks with stunning views, like this 10-mile linear route running from the end of Hengistbury Head beach to Sandbanks Beach at Poole. This walk passes both Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers, and there are plenty of kiosks and cafes along the way offering rest and refreshments. Sandbanks Beach itself boasts award-winning Blue Flag waters, gorgeous golden sands and stunning views across the Jurassic Coast.
Golden Cap Summit
This moderate walk of just over four miles takes around two to three hours to complete and covers an elevation of 958 feet, leading to the summit of Golden Cap, a seaside hill that offers beautiful views of the Dorset coastline. There are some relatively steep sections to be tackled on the trail, so a pair of good, supportive walking boots are a must for this hike. Those walking with a dog should be prepared to keep it on a lead, as livestock is likely to be encountered along the route.
Minterne Magna Loop
The Minterne Magna Loop is an inland walk of 5.4 miles that takes in some peaceful Dorset countryside and one of the most well-known hill figures in the UK. The Cerne Abbas Giant is a 180-foot-tall chalk hill figure, which recent testing suggests has an origin between 700 CE and 1110 CE. The figure is one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions and is an important part of local folklore and culture, often associated with fertility. The route loops around the surrounding countryside to pass through several pretty villages. Those walking this trail may wish to use a GPS in certain areas where the route is particularly overgrown.