Dorset Guided Walking

Distance: 7½ miles (11½km)

Ascent: 770 feet (240m) 

Descent: 1,100 feet (340m)

Walking right from our door, we head out to Swyre Head, the highest point on the Isle of Purbeck for excellent views from St Aldhelm's Head in the east to Portland Bill in the west.  We then head inland to Knowle Hill and Corfe Castle Village where there will be plenty of time to explore. Relax in sun outside one of Corfe's cafes, watch for steam trains, or visit the romantic ruins of Corfe Castle, before a short ride on the local bus takes us back to our hotel.

Distance: 10 miles (16km) 

Ascent: 1,330 feet (410m) 

Setting off on our walk direct from the hotel door, we’re treated to a circular route that takes in Swyre Head – the highest point on the Isle of Purbeck – and picturesque Kimmeridge Bay, where a giant pliosaur skull was discovered in 2022. There’s time to take a peek inside the Wild Seas centre, which will reveal what nature to look out for on our walks over the next few days.  

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 790 feet (250m) 

Walk from the village of Langton Matravers to the coast at Dancing Ledge, a popular spot for rock climbers. From here we head east along the South West Coast Path, with time to visit the Durlston Castle visitor centre before continuing to Swanage. We’ve time to explore this traditional seaside resort with its beach, pier and steam railway. 

Distance: 11 miles (18km) 

Ascent: 1,590 feet (490m) 

Departing from the door of the hotel again today, we’ll head down to the coast towards pretty Chapman’s Pool and St. Aldhelm’s Head. From here the route follows the South West Coast Path, passing old quarries and Dancing Ledge to reach Swanage.    

Distance: 6½ miles (10 ½ km) 

Ascent: 940 feet (290m) 

Enjoy a stunning variety of inland and coastal scenery today. Our walk from Corfe Castle to Studland follows the glorious chalk ridge along the spine of the Purbeck peninsula, with the views getting ever more impressive as we near our destination. Panoramic views stretch north over Poole Harbour, and south to the English Channel. 

Distance: 11 miles (17 ½ km) 

Ascent: 1,260 feet ascent/1,560 feet descent (390m ascent/480m descent) 

Leaving directly from our hotel, we’ll walk over rolling countryside to Corfe with its romantic castle ruins and steam railway. We cross the railway then take a fabulous chalk ridge along the spine of the Purbeck peninsula to Ballard Down and the coast at Old Harry Rocks. On a fine day you’ll see as far as the Needles on the Isle of Wight. 

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 1,200 feet (370m) 

There’s a trio of highlights today; the pretty smuggler’s cove of Osmington, the iconic Durdle Door limestone arch, and the teardrop-shaped  Cove. The section from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove is a busy one, but we’ll see why when we get there. Be sure to bring your camera for plenty of photos. 

Distance: 9 miles (14½ km)

Ascent: 1,770 feet (540m)

Starting from the edge of Weymouth we pass through the smuggler’s haunt of Osmington Mills and follow the fabulous roller coaster coast path all the way to Lulworth Cove. Tick off the geological wonders of Durdle Door and Stair Hole along the way.