Exploring the great outdoors with your furry friend is a rewarding experience, and Dorchester offers a plethora of dog-friendly hiking trails that cater to all levels of adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, these trails provide the perfect opportunity to bond with your canine companion while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly hiking trails in the Dorchester area:
1. Maiden Castle
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Historic hill fort, panoramic views, wildflowers
Maiden Castle is one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hill forts in Europe. The trail offers a moderate hike with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Dogs will love exploring the open fields and rolling hills. Make sure to keep them on a leash as there are often livestock grazing nearby.
2. Thorncombe Woods and Hardy’s Birthplace
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Ancient woodland, Thomas Hardy’s cottage, wildlife
This easy trail takes you through beautiful ancient woodlands and past the birthplace of the famous author Thomas Hardy. The well-maintained paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife.
3. Cerne Abbas Giant Walk
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Iconic chalk figure, scenic countryside, historic village
The Cerne Abbas Giant Walk offers a moderate hike with a mix of open fields and wooded areas. The trail provides a great view of the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant, a large chalk figure carved into the hillside. The village of Cerne Abbas is also worth exploring with its charming streets and historic buildings.
4. Puddletown Forest
Distance: Various trails, up to 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Forest trails, varied terrain, birdwatching
Puddletown Forest is a fantastic spot for dog owners, with numerous trails to choose from. The forest paths are well-marked and offer a range of distances and difficulties. Your dog will love sniffing around the diverse terrain, from dense woodlands to open clearings.
5. Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Distance: 2 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights: Coastal views, natural arch, beach access
This trail is part of the South West Coast Path and offers breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. The hike from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is relatively short but can be steep in places. The reward is the stunning natural limestone arch of Durdle Door. Dogs are welcome on the beach year-round.
6. Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Beautiful gardens, animal park, lake
While primarily known for its gardens and animal park, Kingston Maurward offers pleasant walking paths that are dog-friendly. The easy trail around the lake and gardens is perfect for a relaxed walk with your dog. Don’t forget to visit the animal park, where dogs on leashes are welcome.
7. Weymouth to Osmington Mills
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Coastal path, cliff views, historic pub
This moderate trail follows the South West Coast Path from Weymouth to the charming hamlet of Osmington Mills. Enjoy stunning coastal views and rugged cliffs along the way. The Smugglers Inn, a historic pub in Osmington Mills, is dog-friendly and a great place to stop for refreshments.
8. Hardy’s Monument Circular Walk
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Historic monument, panoramic views, diverse landscapes
Starting and ending at Hardy’s Monument, this circular walk takes you through a variety of landscapes, including heathland, woodland, and open fields. The monument itself offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Dogs will enjoy the open spaces and new scents.
9. Langdon Hill and Golden Cap
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights: Highest point on the South Coast, woodland, coastal views
Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast of England, and the hike up to it offers spectacular views. Starting from Langdon Hill car park, the trail takes you through beautiful woodlands before a steep climb to the top. The effort is well worth it for the stunning coastal vistas.
10. Arne Nature Reserve
Distance: Various trails, up to 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Heathland, wildlife, birdwatching
The RSPB Arne Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and offers several dog-friendly trails. The easy to moderate paths take you through diverse habitats, including heathland and woodland. Keep your dog on a leash to protect the local wildlife, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Exploring these trails with your dog is a great way to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the Dorchester area. Always remember to respect local guidelines, keep your dog on a leash where required, and clean up after them to ensure these trails remain enjoyable for everyone. Happy hiking!
Paws & Paths, Dorchester 