Top 5 Dog-Friendly Walks in Dorset

With a magnificent coastline and beautiful country landscapes, it will come as no surprise that thousand of holiday goers head to Dorset each year. For those of you who will be taking your furry friend on holiday with you, in this post we highlight some of the most popular dog walks Dorset has to offer. From walks off the beaten track to following in the footsteps of great authors, in this post you’ll find a walk in Dorset perfect for you.

1. Thorncombe Woods – ‘Egdon Heath’

Thornecombe Woods – Thomas Hardy’s ‘Egdon Heath’

This beautiful woodland walk incorporates both famous author Thomas Hardy’s cottage and Thorncombe Woods, which was the inspiration for Hardy’s fictional ‘Egdon Heath’ location. This walk is easily extendible into neighbouring Puddletown Forest, for those of you who may have more energetic dogs.

This walk starts at Thomas Hardy’s cottage, where dogs are not permitted in the house or garden, and takes you through Thorncombe Woods and across the heath. Leads must be used on the heath as there is often free grazing animals.

Distance: 5-miles (approx)
Difficulty: Easy
More information: www.theaa.com

2. Lulworth Cove & The Fossil Forrest

Lulworth Cove – Jurrasic Coast walk

With calm, blue waters and a white pebble beach, it will come as no surprise that Lulworth Cove is an extremely popular destination. Located on the Jurassic Coast, this walk takes you both along the beach at Lulworth Cove, or along the cliffs if the tide is in, and through Fossil Forrest.

Fossil Forrest is a great place to let your imagination run wild. Here, you’ll find the remains of a forest that stood tall on this site over 145-million years ago. At the time, the forest floor was a swampland and it is this floor that has been fossilised, leaving the outline of tree stumps and fallen trees preserved in time. Access to this site is dangerous and unadvised, however, a selection of the fossils can easily be viewed from the path.

One of the many Dorset beaches that you must visit this year!

Distance: 2.2-miles (approx)
Difficulty: Easy
More information: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

3. Poole Cockle Trail

The Cockle Trail – historic walk in Poole

If you’re looking for the perfect dog walk in Poole, then the Cockle Trail is a great way to explore the town’s history. Starting on the site of the old Fish Shambles, you will follow the numbered, brass cockle signs that will guide you around the town’s interesting, historical sites.

The route will prove fascinating for all ages and, along the trail, you will uncover stories ranging from notorious smuggling gangs to the town’s involvement in the D-Day landings.

Distance: 1.5-miles (approx)
Difficulty: Easy
More information: www.pooletourism.com

4.Corfe Castle

Corfe Common History Walk

The Corfe Common History Walk is a great walk for everyone, including the dog. The route begins near the ruins of Corfe Castle and takes you south of the town. Children’s imaginations will run wild whilst they explore the old ruins of Corfe Castle. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the beautiful scenery on offer whilst they absorb the Corfe Common’s history.

Corfe Castle is regarded as one of Britain’s most iconic survivors of the English Civil War. Although partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, there is plenty to explore and uncover in these ancient ruins. There is an admission fee to the castle and dogs are happily accepted on leads.

Distance: 1.5-miles (approx)
Difficulty: Easy
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

5. Langdon Hill

This circular woodland walk offers outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. The woodland is particularly delightful around spring as there is an abundance of flowers covering the forest floor, including Bluebells. There is the opportunity to extend this walk by climbing Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast, where you can take advantage of some truly magnificent views.

Keeping your dog on a lead is advised as there is often roaming deer and there are some steep cliffs.

Distance: 1.4-miles (approx)
Difficulty: Easy
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Did you know?

Fancy a dog-friendly holiday to Dorset? Check out our selection of pet-friendly cottages in the area here.

Photo credits: Stoutcob, Antony