Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.
Our guide to the best short walks for scenic views in the Dorset countryside – all under 3.5 miles.
From wildflower-rich chalk downs to sweeping views from the top of Iron Age hillforts, these short, mostly easy countryside rambles will take you around some of the county’s most scenic spots.
Most of these walks are very well signposted, so it’s easy to set out from the car park and hit the trail. I’ve also included a link to more detailed instructions in case you want a map or step-by-step directions. Enjoy…
- 11 Circular Walks in the Dorset Countryside
- Colmer’s Hill, nr Bridport
- Hod Hill, nr Blandford Forum
- Hardy Monument, nr Dorchester
- Fontmell Down, nr Shaftesbury
- Wareham Forest Woorlark Trail, Wareham
- Sturminster Newton to Fiddleford Mill
- Melbury Beacon, nr Shaftesbury
- Pamphill and Cowgrove, Wimborne
- Cerne Abbas Giant, Cerne Abbas
- Pilsden Pen, nr Broadwindsor
- Lambert’s Castle to Coney Castle, nr Bridport
- Dorset Countryside Walks Map & Quick List
11 Circular Walks in the Dorset Countryside
The following list is in ascending order of length. If you’re in a hurry, there’s a map and a quick version of the list at the bottom of the page.
Colmer’s Hill, nr Bridport
- Distance: approx 1 mile (1.6km)
- Start: Symondsbury Estate Car Park
- Route Guide
An iconic sight in Dorset, Colmer’s Hill is a conical-shaped hill topped with a cluster of pines. It’s about 417ft high and the climb is steep but steady – with glorious views from the top. There’s free parking on the Symondsbury Estate, and they have a fantastic farm shop and cafe on site where you can pick up a picnic or post-walk refreshments.
Hod Hill, nr Blandford Forum
- Distance: 1 mile (1.6km)
- Start: Hod Hill Car park (on Hanford Lane – click here for Google Maps)
- Route Guide
A reasonably gentle stroll around an Iron Age hillfort dating from around 2,400 years ago, with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. At its best in spring/summer, when the chalk downloads are filled with colourful wildflowers and butterflies. Look out for the remains of one of the UK’s best-preserved Roman forts within the hill fort.
Hardy Monument, nr Dorchester
- Distance: approx 1.2 miles (2km)
- Start: Hardy Monument Car Park
- Route Guide
The hilltop tower of Hardy Monument can be seen from all around Dorchester. It was built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, captain of a fleet of ships at the Battle of Trafalgar and famously the man from Nelson’s last words (“Kiss me, Hardy”). A short trail starting from the car park takes you through the heaths and woodlands of the surrounding Black Down. Don’t miss the nearby contemporary stone circle, built by artist-architect Amanda Moore.
LONGER WALK: Check out our 9-mile circular walk from Hardy Monument to Littlebredy
Fontmell Down, nr Shaftesbury
- Distance: 1.9 miles (3km)
- Start: Spread Eagle Car Park (on Spread Eagle Hill)
- Route Guide
Fontmell Down is a protected nature reserve managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Tucked away in the Cranborne Chase AONB, this 64-hectare area of chalk downland, scrub and woodland is home to a huge variety of wildflowers – including 9 orchid species – as well as 35 recorded butterfly species and numerous birds. A circular trail starts from the car park at Spread Eagle Hill, marked by black arrows.
Wareham Forest Woorlark Trail, Wareham
- Distance: 2 miles (3km)
- Start: Sika Trail car park
- Route Guide
Explore the heaths and woodlands of Wareham Forest. This easy, waymarked trail starts and ends at the Sika Trail car park. As you explore, look out for the local sika deer (particularly during October-November) and woodlarks in spring. In summer months, you may spot sand lizards, smooth snakes, and possibly a hobby or two (a rare kind of falcon).
READ MORE: Best Forests and Woods in Dorset
Sturminster Newton to Fiddleford Mill
- Distance: 2 miles (3.2km)
- Start: Station Road car park, Sturminster Newton
- Route Guide
This gentle walk follows an old railway line out of Sturminster Newton and down to the historic Fiddleford Mill buildings on the River Stour. The return route following the Mill-Ham Lane path crosses scenic meadows.
READ MORE: Best River Walks in Dorset
Melbury Beacon, nr Shaftesbury
- Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7km)
- Start: Spread Eagle Car Park (on Spread Eagle Hill)
- Route Guide
Not far from Fontmell Down, Melbury Beacon rises 263m above sea level for sweeping views of the surrounding area. This landscape is known as Blackmore Vale, a name given to the area by local novelist Thomas Hardy, who set many of his works here. Again, the chalk downlands are known for their wildflowers and butterflies.
Pamphill and Cowgrove, Wimborne
- Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5km)
- Start: Pamphill Green car park
- Route Guide
A gentle walk through the peaceful villages around Kingston Lacy and the Stour Valley. Set out from the pretty St Stephen’s Church to follow ancient tracks to Cowgrove. If you’re visiting in Spring, nearby Abbot Street Copse is one of the best bluebell woods in Dorset.
Cerne Abbas Giant, Cerne Abbas
- Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5km)
- Start: Car Park opposite Cerne Abbas Village Hall
- Route Guide
The enormous hillside chalk carving of a nude giant has been amusing tourists and mystifying experts for centuries! No one is sure how old it is or why it was made: it could be a Celtic Hercules, a Saxon god, or simply a 17th-century prank! This short circular takes you up past the carving and around Giant Hill for some glorious views, before heading back past some of the prettiest sites in the village.
Pilsden Pen, nr Broadwindsor
- Distance: 3.1 miles (5km)
- Start: Lob Gate Car Park (on the junction of Pilsdon Lane & Cockpit Hill)
- Route Guide
At 909ft, this prominent hill is of the highest points in Dorset – dominated by an Iron Age hillfort. There’s a rich history in the area: two Bronze Age burial mounds and flint tools over 1000 years old have been discovered around here.
Lambert’s Castle to Coney Castle, nr Bridport
- Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5km)
- Start: National Trust car park at Lambert’s Castle
- Route Guide
Follow a section of the Wessex Ridgeway Trail between two ancient hill forts, both around a mile apart. Lambert’s Castle is an Iron Age hill fort dating back some 2,500 years. More recently, the site hosted a historic annual fair from at least 1709 to 1947. Keep an eye out for buzzards and kestrels as you explore, and woodpeckers and willow warblers in the woodlands.
Dorset Countryside Walks Map & Quick List
- Colmer’s Hill – approx 1 mile
- Hod Hill – 1 mile
- Hardy Monument – approx 1.2 miles
- Fontmell Down – 1.9 miles
- Wareham Forest Woorlark Trail – 2 miles
- Sturminster Newton to Fiddleford Mill – 2 miles
- Melbury Beacon – 2.3 miles
- Pamphill and Cowgrove – 2.8 miles
- Cerne Abbas Giant – 2.8 miles
- Pilsden Pen – 3.1 miles
- Lambert’s Castle to Coney Castle – 3.4 miles
Do you know any more great countryside walks in Dorset? Scroll down to leave a comment with your recommendations!
