We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
4 Oct - 9 Oct 2026
5 nights. Trip notes
We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Dorset
■ Duration: 5 nights
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Oct 2026, Apr-Sep 2027
■ Itineraries available: 2
■ Choice of Walking Grade: 3 details
Non-members From
£1,079
ppMembers From
£1,049
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Gentle walking grade 3
Slightly longer walks, mostly on well-trodden paths, with some gentle gradients plus stiles and steps possible. Typically, 5-6 miles (8-10km) with around 650ft (200m) of ascent.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.
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[description] => Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will meet you at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
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Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will meet you at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
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[title] => Isle of Purbeck and Old Harry Rocks
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[description] => Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
Descent: 800 feet (240m)
Today we travel to the small village of Studland, on the Isle of Purbeck, where our walk takes us to Swanage, along the stunning South West Coast Path, passing the famous Old Harry Rocks. From Swanage we hop on board the heritage steam train (tickets included) to Corfe to explore this pretty village.
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Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
Descent: 800 feet (240m)
Today we travel to the small village of Studland, on the Isle of Purbeck, where our walk takes us to Swanage, along the stunning South West Coast Path, passing the famous Old Harry Rocks. From Swanage we hop on board the heritage steam train (tickets included) to Corfe to explore this pretty village.
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[title] => The Cerne Giant and Dorchester
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[description] => Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
Descent: 600 feet (180m)
A chance to escape the crowds and explore a bit of rural Dorset. We walk from Minterne Magna, northwest of Dorchester, up onto a ridge with lovely views above the Cerne Valley, then down into Cerne Abbas village, contouring below the famous Cerne Giant. After exploring this picturesque village, we transfer to Dorchester for some sightseeing.
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Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
Descent: 600 feet (180m)
A chance to escape the crowds and explore a bit of rural Dorset. We walk from Minterne Magna, northwest of Dorchester, up onto a ridge with lovely views above the Cerne Valley, then down into Cerne Abbas village, contouring below the famous Cerne Giant. After exploring this picturesque village, we transfer to Dorchester for some sightseeing.
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[title] => South Purbeck Coast and Swanage
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[description] => Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m )
Descent: 850 feet (260m)
Walking on the Isle of Purbeck again, this time we leave from Langton Matravers, but first we drop in for a quick visit to the Purbeck Stone Museum. A hidden gem, the museum provides an explanation of the unique geology, and has some fascinating displays. Afterwards we set out on our walk to Swanage, enjoying great views towards the Isle of Wight. Our walk gives us the opportunity to explore the legacy of quarrying in the area, and to spend some time at the visitor centre at Durlston Country Park (a renovated folly). We continue to the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, with the chance to visit its heritage centre, enjoy a town trail, or simply relax on the beach.
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Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m )
Descent: 850 feet (260m)
Walking on the Isle of Purbeck again, this time we leave from Langton Matravers, but first we drop in for a quick visit to the Purbeck Stone Museum. A hidden gem, the museum provides an explanation of the unique geology, and has some fascinating displays. Afterwards we set out on our walk to Swanage, enjoying great views towards the Isle of Wight. Our walk gives us the opportunity to explore the legacy of quarrying in the area, and to spend some time at the visitor centre at Durlston Country Park (a renovated folly). We continue to the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, with the chance to visit its heritage centre, enjoy a town trail, or simply relax on the beach.
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[title] => Lulworth and Durdle Door
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[description] => Distance: 2 short walks combined come to a total of 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: total for the 2 walks combined - 700 feet (220m)
Descent: total for the 2 walks combined 1,000 feet (300m)
A day to explore the Lulworth Estate and the coast along to Durdle Door. Alighting at the small hamlet of Coombe Keynes our first walk passes through the imposing North Lodges before descending through Lulworth Castle Estate grounds. Here, we’ll have time to visit the magnificent Lulworth Castle (tickets included). Afterwards, we’ll take a short transfer to finish our holiday with a walk that descends to ‘Scratchy Bottom’ to join the South West Coast Path which we follow to the much-photographed Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
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Distance: 2 short walks combined come to a total of 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: total for the 2 walks combined - 700 feet (220m)
Descent: total for the 2 walks combined 1,000 feet (300m)
A day to explore the Lulworth Estate and the coast along to Durdle Door. Alighting at the small hamlet of Coombe Keynes our first walk passes through the imposing North Lodges before descending through Lulworth Castle Estate grounds. Here, we’ll have time to visit the magnificent Lulworth Castle (tickets included). Afterwards, we’ll take a short transfer to finish our holiday with a walk that descends to ‘Scratchy Bottom’ to join the South West Coast Path which we follow to the much-photographed Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
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[title] => Departure Day
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[description] => Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.
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[title] => Arrival Day
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[description] => Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will meet you at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
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Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will meet you at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
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[id] => 01kwy7h55eb2db5f9xw7ne1t9b
[title] => Isle of Purbeck and Old Harry Rocks
[introduction] =>
[description] => Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
Descent: 800 feet (240m)
Today we travel to the small village of Studland, on the Isle of Purbeck, where our walk takes us to Swanage, along the stunning South West Coast Path, passing the famous Old Harry Rocks. From Swanage we hop on board the heritage steam train (tickets included) to Corfe to explore this pretty village.
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Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
Descent: 800 feet (240m)
Today we travel to the small village of Studland, on the Isle of Purbeck, where our walk takes us to Swanage, along the stunning South West Coast Path, passing the famous Old Harry Rocks. From Swanage we hop on board the heritage steam train (tickets included) to Corfe to explore this pretty village.
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[title] => The Cerne Giant and Dorchester
[introduction] =>
[description] => Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
Descent: 600 feet (180m)
A chance to escape the crowds and explore a bit of rural Dorset. We walk from Minterne Magna, northwest of Dorchester, up onto a ridge with lovely views above the Cerne Valley, then down into Cerne Abbas village, contouring below the famous Cerne Giant. After exploring this picturesque village, we transfer to Dorchester for some sightseeing.
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Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
Descent: 600 feet (180m)
A chance to escape the crowds and explore a bit of rural Dorset. We walk from Minterne Magna, northwest of Dorchester, up onto a ridge with lovely views above the Cerne Valley, then down into Cerne Abbas village, contouring below the famous Cerne Giant. After exploring this picturesque village, we transfer to Dorchester for some sightseeing.
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[title] => South Purbeck Coast and Swanage
[introduction] =>
[description] => Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m )
Descent: 850 feet (260m)
Walking on the Isle of Purbeck again, this time we leave from Langton Matravers, but first we drop in for a quick visit to the Purbeck Stone Museum. A hidden gem, the museum provides an explanation of the unique geology, and has some fascinating displays. Afterwards we set out on our walk to Swanage, enjoying great views towards the Isle of Wight. Our walk gives us the opportunity to explore the legacy of quarrying in the area, and to spend some time at the visitor centre at Durlston Country Park (a renovated folly). We continue to the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, with the chance to visit its heritage centre, enjoy a town trail, or simply relax on the beach.
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Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m )
Descent: 850 feet (260m)
Walking on the Isle of Purbeck again, this time we leave from Langton Matravers, but first we drop in for a quick visit to the Purbeck Stone Museum. A hidden gem, the museum provides an explanation of the unique geology, and has some fascinating displays. Afterwards we set out on our walk to Swanage, enjoying great views towards the Isle of Wight. Our walk gives us the opportunity to explore the legacy of quarrying in the area, and to spend some time at the visitor centre at Durlston Country Park (a renovated folly). We continue to the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, with the chance to visit its heritage centre, enjoy a town trail, or simply relax on the beach.
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[id] => 01kwy7h5mjddj3mdbvmwbvmvm1
[title] => Lulworth and Durdle Door
[introduction] =>
[description] => Distance: Two short walks combined come to a total of 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: total for both walks combined - 700 feet (220m)
Descent: total for both walks combined 1,000 feet (300m)
A day to explore the Lulworth Estate and the coast including a visit to Durdle Door. Alighting at the small hamlet of Coombe Keynes, our first walk passes through the imposing North Lodges before descending through Lulworth Castle Estate grounds. Here, we’ll have time to visit the magnificent Lulworth Castle (EH). Afterwards, we’ll take a short transfer to finish our holiday with a walk that descends to ‘Scratchy Bottom’ and joins the South West Coast Path which we follow to the much-photographed Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
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Distance: Two short walks combined come to a total of 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: total for both walks combined - 700 feet (220m)
Descent: total for both walks combined 1,000 feet (300m)
A day to explore the Lulworth Estate and the coast including a visit to Durdle Door. Alighting at the small hamlet of Coombe Keynes, our first walk passes through the imposing North Lodges before descending through Lulworth Castle Estate grounds. Here, we’ll have time to visit the magnificent Lulworth Castle (EH). Afterwards, we’ll take a short transfer to finish our holiday with a walk that descends to ‘Scratchy Bottom’ and joins the South West Coast Path which we follow to the much-photographed Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
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[id] => 01kwy7h5qbm38aj2rw35w0w7yp
[title] => Departure Day
[introduction] =>
[description] => Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.
Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals.
If you wish to travel by public transport, please see below
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.
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
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
Recommended
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.
Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.
In The Event Of A Problem
If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you.
All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).
Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.
If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.
Ticks
Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.
Where attractions are noted as optional in the itinerary, entrance fees are payable locally. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to visit the attractions that interest you most. We have listed them in good faith, but we advise you check opening times and admission information before visiting.
If you have National Trust or English Heritage membership, please be sure to bring your membership cards with you. Entrance to National Trust (NT) & English Heritage (EH) sites have not been included in this holiday as many of you are already members of these organisations and will be entitled to free entry upon showing your EH/NT membership cards.
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 moreCode: DOC05-WOD11
Dates & availability
Dorset Guided Walking with Sightseeing
5 nights. Trip notes
Save £50 Per Person
5 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,129 £1,079
Members
£1,099 £1,049
£1,579 £1,529
£1,549 £1,499
Save £50 Per Person
5 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,149 £1,099
Members
£1,119 £1,069
£1,449 £1,399
£1,419 £1,369
Save £50 Per Person
5 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,149 £1,099
Members
£1,119 £1,069
£1,449 £1,399
£1,419 £1,369

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.

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.

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 and self-guided bookings).

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

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

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
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