Walk with us: guided walks in Dorset
- Published:
- 10 March 2025
Looking to get active, explore nature or meet new people? Our guided walks are for you. Enjoy fresh air, stunning views and great company while discovering more about Dorset. Most walks are free, but booking is sometimes required - check the details for each walk to secure your spot.
Top guided walks near Dorchester
Hardy Literary Landscape Walk
Starting at Thorncombe Woods Visitor Centre, this 2-mile walk explores the childhood landscape of Thomas Hardy. Along the way, you’ll hear readings and discussions linking Hardy’s words to the natural surroundings. This walk is a regular drop in so booking is not necessary. Follow the link below for the dates and times.
Dates from May - August More details
Walking in the Footsteps of our Ancestors
As part of the Festival of Archeology we are offering this free, 3.5 hour walk around the incredible landscape where the Hardy Monument sits. Taking place on the 19th July at 10.30am you can spend time with our expert guides who will talk to you about all things hisorical that we pass through or near.
For more details and to book a place please visit: Walking in the footsteps of our ancestors - free guided walk | National Trust
#DorsetFestivalofArchaeology
Hardy’s Cottage to Max Gate (Return)
Join a trained guide for a scenic walk from Hardy’s Cottage to Max Gate, passing through the beautiful Stinsford St Michael’s Church, the resting place of Thomas Hardy’s heart and both his wives.
22 July, 14 August and 21 September all starting at 10.30am More details
Walking in the Footsteps of T.E. Lawrence - This walk has been completed for 2025. If you'd like our expert guide to lead this walk for your group, at a time and date to suit, please get in touch.
Explore key locations linked to T.E. Lawrence, the military strategist and author. This 6.5km walk includes a visit to his burial site and ends outside Clouds Hill, his retreat. The terrain can be boggy, and booking is essential.
Hardy Monument Circular Walk - This walk has been completed for 2025. If you'd like our expert guide to lead this walk for your group, at a time and date to suit, please get in touch.
This 9.5km circular walk takes in the Dorset landscape, including the Valley of Stones and Littlebredy, before returning to Hardy Monument car park. The walk takes approximately three hours.
17 May, 10.30am More details
Exploring Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis to Charmouth – Bus It Back
This 5km guided walk follows the South West Coast Path to Charmouth, taking about two hours (excluding the return bus journey). Walks run on the first Wednesday of each month from April to September. Free of charge, but you must pay for the bus. Booking in person at the Lyme Regis shop.
Dates from April - September More details
Lyme Regis Circular Loops
These free guided walks run on the second Thursday of each month from April to September, alternating between a 4km walk (April, June, August) and an 8km walk (July & September). Booking in person at the Lyme Regis shop or calling:01297 44 5828.
Dates from April - September More details
Jane Austen Guided Walk
2025 is the 175th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and Lyme Regis was one of her favourite holiday locations. To celebrate her love of Lyme Regis the National Trust are offering a series of short walks along the Cobb with readings from Persuasion. Departing from outside the National Trust Gift shop these walks are perfect for any Austen fan, people wanting to learn more or those who are curious about her connection to the town.
You can book for FREE by calling the Lyme Regis gift shop on: 01297 445828 or by popping in and speaking to the team.
More details can be found here: 7th August: In The Footsteps of Jane Austen | National Trust or 21st August: In The Footsteps of Jane Austen | National Trust
Both days will see three walks departing at: 10.30, 13.00 and 15.30.
Walks on the Golden Cap Estate
Orchards Walk
Walk through the orchards of the Golden Cap Estate with an Orchard Champion Ranger and take part in traditional apple pressing. This event will take place in the Autumn of 2025. Details to follow nearer the time.
Green-Winged Orchids - this walk has taken place for 2025 but the orchids will be blooming next year so please join us then.
Join the National Trust Volunteer Ecology Team for a walk to see Green-Winged Orchids.
Meet our ecology team in the Green-winged orchid meadows and speak to experts about this rare flower and the reasons for its success on the Golden Cap Estate. Park at Stonebarrow car park and follow the signs down to the meadow where our National Trust team will be on site to meet you.
Dawn Chorus - this walk has taken place for 2025, we hope to repeat a similar walk in 2026.
Experience the magic of the dawn chorus on a guided walk around Stonebarrow on 10 May. Meeting at 5.45am at Stonebarrow car park and enjoy a morning walk with our expert ranger.
Trees in Our Landscape - This walk has been completed for 2025. If you'd like our expert guide to lead this walk for your group, at a time and date to suit, please get in touch.
Join the ecology team at Langdon Woods for a 3km walk celebrating ancient trees on the Golden Cap Estate. This walk is free but requires booking. Saturday 31st May 10-12, meeting at Langdon Woods car park. Follow this link for more information:
Walks near Bridport
Hive Beach to Cogden – Climate Walk
Learn about coastal erosion on this informative walk.
On the 10 June, 8 July, 12 August and 23 September we will take you on a walk from Hive Beach to Cogden and back. Although short in distance (just 4km) this may take around 2 hours due to the things we will be pointing out and discussing. Meet at the National Trust Car Park Hut at Hive Beach at 11am. Booking essential.
Please follow the link for more details and to book your free place: Looking at our changing coastline - Hive Beach to Cogden | National Trust
Cogden Meadows Walk
Saturday 5th July at 10am - Cogden National TRust car park.
Celebrate National Meadows Day with a walk starting from the Cogden picnic tables (by the car park) at 10am. The walk includes discussions on local plants like sea kale, yellow-horned poppy, yellow flag iris and meadow rue.
Booking is essential: Guided walk at Cogden - Wild Flower Meadows | National Trust
Hillfort Walks & Festival of Archaeology Walks
Saturday 26th July at 10.30 - meet at the Hive Beach Car Park Hut.
The walk is just 1.5km but expect to take around 60-90 minutes. We will show you important landmarks linked to WW2 but will also discuss Bind Barrow and other significant points of interest
For more details and to book: Barrows to Bunkers - a free guided walk through 4000 years of Hive Beach's history | National Trust
#DorsetFestivalofArchaeology
Bluebells and Spitfire Walk
Explore Lewesdon Hill, visit the Spitfire crash memorial from 1942, and enjoy the bluebell-covered landscape.
*This walk has now taken place for 2025 but we will repeat it in April 2026*
Eggardon Foraging Walk
Join forager Mat Follas for a 3km(approx) foraging walk on Eggardon Hill, identifying seasonal plants. Dogs are not allowed due to livestock. Booking essential.
*This walk has now taken place but check back as we will update the page as soon as we have more dates*
Walk with us FAQs
Who can walk with us?
All our walks are led by fully trained National Trust Walk Leaders. You’re welcome to join on your own or with friends.
Can we bring children?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. It is up to the adult to decide if the walk is suitable for the child. Please note that our walks are not suitable for prams or pushchairs.
Walk Difficulty & Facilities
Some walks can be long and challenging. Most routes do not have access to toilets, cafés, or other facilities, so please come prepared. Often it is the remoteness of the places we walk that makes them to special and beautiful.
How do I book my place?
All walks require advance booking (with the exception of the Hardy Literary Landscape Walk, which allow you to just turn up on the day). You can book online or in person at locations such as the Lyme Regis Shop or the Hive Beach National Trust Hut. If you need help with booking, please email elizabeth.flight@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on most walks but must be kept on a lead at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the Eggardon Foraging Walk due to livestock and the slow-paced nature of the event.
If a walk includes a visit to a National Trust property (such as Hardy’s Cottage, Max Gate, or Clouds Hill), please note that dogs are not allowed inside the houses but are welcome in the gardens.
We look forward to welcoming you on a walk.