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Dorset Guided Walking

2027 dates available Early Booking Offer

■ 5 nights accommodation

■ Availability Sep 2026, May-Sep 2027

■ One itinerary available

■ Full Board

■ Grades 2 & 3 details

■ 110kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,029

pp

Members From

£999

pp

Members Save: on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. You can become a member during the booking flow. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Discover Dorset and the Jurassic Coast on this guided walking holiday. Spanning over 96 miles, this coastline reveals 185 million years of history. Explore the fossil-filled beaches, Caribbean-like coves, and enchanting castles, that have earned this part of Dorset UNESCO World Heritage status. Highlights include Lulworth Cove, the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks, and Durdle Door, an impressive limestone arch carved by centuries of erosion. Our carefully planned walks showcase the area’s top sights with daily guided options offering a fantastic way to explore this enchanting stretch of UK coastline.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
The Kingston Country Courtyard is 4* guest accommodation, rather than a hotel. Ideally located for exploring Purbeck, the KCC gives us a base from which we can explore this stunning coastline, away from the crowds. While it doesn't have the bells and whistles of a hotel, this converted farmstead features rustic yet comfortable ensuite rooms, all with free Wi-Fi, TV, and tea and coffee facilities. Enjoy outdoor seating in the courtyard and gardens, with views stretching to the coast and Corfe. All rooms open onto the original farm courtyard. The hotel is dog-friendly, so you might meet some four-legged friends in communal areas. Free parking is available for residents. Please note, some of the bathrooms at the hotel are wetrooms - a wet room is a style of bathroom where there's no separation between dry and wet areas. These make the bathrooms highly accessible. There are no communal lounges as such, but we have a dining room where our briefings and dinners will be held, and where you can socialise after dinner.
kcc-231 courtyard.jpg

Walking grades and options

This Guided Walking/Hiking Trail has walks graded levels 2 and 3

Your fitness

Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of completing the holiday and enjoying it to boot. Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your challenge:

  • Get out walking - whether the weather, get out there, and start building your fitness months before your holiday
  • Build your distance gradually and get a number of 6-8hr days in
  • Ideally, try and do two consecutive days training if possible
  • Take the stairs every time
  • Train on different terrain
  • Train with your day pack and your walking boots too, to ensure they're well worn in before your holiday
  • Other sports help improve your walking fitness too. The best ones are jogging, cycling, swimming, which will build your stamina, and yoga which will help strengthen your core and improve balance
  • Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.

What You’ll Love

  • A choice of two walks each day
  • Exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Jurassic Coast
  • Tackling some of the UK’s finest coastal walks
  • Learning about the natural history that makes this area famous
  • Snapping shots of Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, & Osmington White Horse
  • Discovering hidden gems, far from the crowds

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

Reviews

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leaders will be at reception at 6:30pm to meet the group and to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.  

Option 1 - Corfe Castle

Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 670 feet (205m) 

Descent: 1020 feet (310m)

Walking right from our door, we head out to Golden Bowl and Houns Tout for excellent views from St Aldhelm's Head in the east to Portland Bill in the west.  We then descend gradually on a new path towards
Chapman’s Pool before making our way inland via the Purbeck Way and Corfe Common to 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.

Option 2 - Kingston and Kimmeridge

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.  

Option 1 - Langton Matravers to Swanage

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. 

Option 2 - Kingston to Swanage

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.    

Option 1 - Corfe, Old Harry Rocks & Studland

Distance: 11 miles (17 ½ km) 

Ascent: 1,260 feet ascent (390m)

Decent:1,560 feet descent (480m)

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. 

Option 2 - Corfe and Studland

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. 

Option 1 - Osmington to Lulworth

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. 

Option 2 - Overcombe to Lulworth Cove along the Coast Path

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.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.

View all

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Kingston Country Courtyard

The Kingston Country Courtyard is 4* guest accommodation, rather than a hotel. Ideally located for exploring Purbeck, the KCC gives us a base from which we can explore this stunning coastline, away from the crowds. While it doesn't have the bells and whistles of a hotel, this converted farmstead features rustic yet comfortable ensuite rooms, all with free Wi-Fi, TV, and tea and coffee facilities. Enjoy outdoor seating in the courtyard and gardens, with views stretching to the coast and Corfe. All rooms open onto the original farm courtyard. The hotel is dog-friendly, so you might meet some four-legged friends in communal areas. Free parking is available for residents. Please note, some of the bathrooms at the hotel are wetrooms - a wet room is a style of bathroom where there's no separation between dry and wet areas. These make the bathrooms highly accessible. There are no communal lounges as such, but we have a dining room where our briefings and dinners will be held, and where you can socialise after dinner.

Food & drink

Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals.

Packed lunches

Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it.
 

Dietary requirements

Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.

Getting here

Address

Kingston Country Courtyard
West Street
Corfe Castle, Kingston
Wareham
BH20 5LR

If you wish to travel by public transport, please see below

By bus/train

Travelling from the west: the nearest train mainline railway station is Wareham. Catch the number 40 bus from Wareham station to Kingston, there is a bus stop directly outside the Kingston Country Courtyard.

Travelling from the east: take the train to Bournemouth, then catch the number 50 bus to Swanage, then transfer there for the number 40 bus to Kingston. The number 40 bus stops directly outside the hotel.

 

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 110kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

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Dates & availability

Dorset Guided Walking

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

16 May - 21 May 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,099 £1,049

pp

Members

£1,069 £1,019

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,399 £1,349

pp

£1,369 £1,319

pp
Book Now

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

5 Sep - 10 Sep 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,099 £1,049

pp

Members

£1,069 £1,019

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,399 £1,349

pp

£1,369 £1,319

pp
Book Now
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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