Must-Do Hiking and Walking Spots in Dorset
Dorset is a beautiful place to spend some time outdoors, especially on one of our multiple walking trails and nature reserves. When you hire a luxury holiday cottage in Bridport, there’s a whole host of outdoor adventures and exploration you can undertake in the local area. Here are some of the must-do walking trails for hikers and nature fans!
RSPB in Arne, Dorset
More than 50 years ago, the RSPB created a nature reserve in Arne that is a perfect low-impact walk for hikers. There are plenty of wildlife and greenery to see on this walk as you skirt the edges of Poole Harbour. The walk is a little over 6km and typically takes around 1.5 hours, so it is the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon before stopping off at a local café. As a small circuit that works its way inland after giving you a taste of the water, this is the perfect walking circuit for those who prefer easier trails.
Length: 6.2km Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Abbotsbury, Dorset
Walk along the beautiful Jurassic Coast and take in everything that Dorset is renowned for with a walk to and around Abbotsbury. The coastal path allows you views of the sea, rock formations, and coastal birds, but you’ll soon happen upon the Benedictine abbey, Abbotsbury Abbey, the area’s namesake. You’ll also find yourself visiting the 14th-15th century St Nicholas Church before coming onto a charming highstreet with plenty of places to browse local amenities and have a cup of tea. If you do the full walk, then you can spend the best part of a full morning or afternoon exploring iconic Dorset scenery, though there are options to cut this short at multiple points throughout the walk.
Length: 12km Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, Dorset
Venture out from your luxury holiday cottage rental to discover the timeless landscape of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. There are a few steep steps at the beginning of the walk, but if you get a little breathless then you can simply stand to one side, look backwards, and enjoy the view that gets better the higher you climb – what motivation! This shouldn’t be too taxing though, so you can still enjoy ambling along the path on the limestone cliffs. Stumble across Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch created by erosion of softer rocks whilst the arch’s limestone stays sturdy, which makes for a beautiful photo. If you’re here in the summer, this might be a nice spot to find a rocky perch or lay a blanket down for a picnic. Take a detour down Bat’s Head, another great picnic spot, and circle inland again to complete this circuit and return to your luxury holiday cottage rental.
Length: 9.9km Time: 2 hours 41 minutes
Stay in One of Our Luxury Bridport Holiday Cottages
Explore beautiful British coastlines and sample some local cream teas in Dorset before retiring to your luxury holiday cottage in Bridport. We’re conveniently located near plenty of fun things to do in Dorset, so when you’re planning your next weekend escape or a staycation, Contact Us today to discuss our cottages’ availabilities.