Details of stunning walks in DORSET, which has nearly 3000 miles of rights of way, much of it well waymarked and signposted. To improve the state of this network, Dorset County Council has embarked on an ambitious refurbishment program. So far 4000 new signposts have been erected, 1500 stiles and gates repaired or installed, and many miles of paths cleared of obstructions. The Countryside file of the County Council website has useful general information about walking activities in the region.

There is plenty to choose from in deciding where to walk. It includes the last 73 miles of the South West Coast Path from Lyme Regis to the entrance to Poole Harbour - from the highest point on the South Coast (Golden Cap - 626 ft), via Chesil Beach, Abbotsbury, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove to the beach and dunes of Studland.An application had been made for this part of the coast to be granted World Heritage status. This has now been approved by UNESCO - Dec 2001. Dorset Riviera gives a good general description of the coast path with plenty of photos. For relevant maps see comments in 'ODDNOTES'. The walks cover the South and West regions of the County.

The coastal environment thus provides plenty of scope for superb walking, much of it fairly strenuous. But just inland there is a great stretch of quiet countryside - rolling chalk downs, iron age hill forts,ancient trackways and the Isle of Purbeck (Old dinosaur country). Even at the height of summer, away from the coast, you can walk for miles without seeing anyone - or a caravan.

The distances quoted are all approximate. No times are recommended - you are here to enjoy ! But it is usually suggested that, for the more rugged parts of the coastal path, two miles an hour is realistic.

The Images of Dorset website has a collection of ~1200 photographs of Dorset.There are also dozens of links to other sites having useful information about the county.

Walk 1. A circular walk centred on Abbotsbury, including part of the 'Inland' coastal Path. Distance 9 - 10 miles.

Walk 2. Starting near Cerne Abbas goes right into rural Dorset . 5 or 8 miles.

Walk 3. And WALK 4. Two overlapping walks exploring north and west of Durdle Door.

Walk 5. A circular walk to the north of Cerne Abbas. About 8 miles.

Walk 6. A fairly strenuous walk of 9 - 10 miles based on Milton Abbas, with extensive views over North Dorset from Bulbarrow Hill ( ~ 900 ft). Two steep hills. A shorter loop(5 - 6 miles) avoids the second steep hill.Both of these walks pass through extensive woodland, making them especially attractive in the Autumn.

Walk 7. A Purbeck Ramble. Starting from Studland this walk offers cliff tops, rolling chalk downs, woods (a little), and open heathland (a lot). With marvellous panoramic views this is one not to be missed. The main walk is about 11 miles, but there are options for 9, 7 1/2 or 6 miles.

Walk 8. A shorter walk west of Dorchester. No shop, no pub, one tiny village and lots of chalk downs. 'Far from the madding crowd' to coin a phrase. About 7 1/2 miles.

Walk 9. Worth Matravers to Dancing Ledge. A 7 1/2 mile walk from Worth ( G.R. 974774) including three miles of splendid cliff top walking along the Coast Path. One long steady climb, several short steep ones.

Walk 10. A circular walk from Ringstead Bay including a short stretch of the Coastal Path. About 7 1/2 miles.

Walk 11. A circular walk from SEATOWN (G.R. 420917).A short but energetic section of the Coastal Path followed by a long loop inland. Original plans curtailed by conditions. About 6 miles, but not one of the better walks.

Walk 12 . Starting from Kimmeridge Bay (G.R. 909790). An energetic walk of fully 9 miles,including 3 miles of Coastal Path, with one steep hill. Marvellous views along the coast, so a day with good visibility is desirable.

Walk13 . Maiden Castle Hillfort is just a couple of miles southwest of Dorchester and is the start and finish of this walk of approximately 8 miles.

Walk 14 . The Dorsetshire Gap is an intersection of five ancient trackways, linking the trails of the Ridgeway with the drove roads to the North. It is about a remote a spot as you can find in West Dorset. It even has a visitors book for you to sign. This walk takes in the Gap and as a complete contrast a close up of an old Manor House - Binghams Melcombe. About 8 miles but the option of a short cut (~5miles ) which still includes the Gap. Except in the driest conditions plenty of MUD everywhere.

Walk 15 A circular walk south east of Abbotsbury, including a section of the Coast Path.Two short climbs, one very steep. After rain a lot of the walk can be muddy - or very muddy. About 8 - 9 miles, and well waymarked throughout.