Walk with us: guided walks in Dorset
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
- Walking in the paw prints of Wessex: Exploring the paths loved by Thomas Hardy and his faithful dog
- Dates from March - October 2026 (excluding August). Join us for a 2.5-mile stroll through the countryside near Hardy's home, Max Gate, following one of the writer’s favourite walks with his loyal four-legged companion.Book your place
- In the footsteps of Hardy's Childhood
- 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. If you have a group who would like a bespoke walk organised please get in touch using the email below.Dates and times
- Hardy’s Cottage to Max Gate (return)
- 23 July, 25 August and 19 September all starting at 10.30am from Hardy's Cottage. Join our 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.Book your place
- Walking in the footsteps of T.E. Lawrence
- 9 July, 6 August and 10 September. All start in Moreton at 10am. Explore key locations linked to T.E. Lawrence, the military strategist and author. This 3.5 hour walk which includes a visit to his burial site and ends outside Clouds Hill, his retreat. The terrain can be boggy if weather has been wet before hand. Booking is essential.Book your place
- Walking in the footsteps of our Ancestors - Part of the Festival of Archaeology
- As part of the 2026 Festival of Archaeology we have four wonderful FREE guided walks; one at Eggardon Hillfort, two at Hardy Monument and one at Cogden Beach. You can find more details and how to book by following the links below: Saturday 4th July on Eggardon: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/eggardon-hill/events/7f983174-8ae7-4e74-92f8-16495be6a3cd Saturday 25th July at Hardy Monument: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardy-monument/events/431a7f64-c18e-4173-8f5e-d01a17835617 Wednesday 29 July, 10:30 at Cogden Beach: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hive-beach/events/6e08da01-227f-4af8-8e40-a8d56dd89cef Saturday 1 August at Hardy Monument: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardy-monument/events/9b483ef1-6fba-4a08-8fba-c541ac326f77
- New for 2026 - T E Lawrence and the Living Landscape - The flora and fauna of Clouds Hill
- Be among the first to experience this brand-new guided tour at Clouds Hill on Thursday 16 July at 11am. Explore the landscape around Clouds Hill with the National Trust Senior Gardener on this FREE guided tour. Discover stories of T. E. Lawrence alongside insights into local plants, wildlife, and the history of the heathland. This tour does not include access to the inside of Clouds Hill House, we highly recommend also booking a place on the Clouds Hill House tour at 12:00 or 10:00 - you can do this by calling 0344 249 1895 or visiting the Clouds Hill National Trust web page to book online. Members can visit for free. To find out more a book a place on the free tour go to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/clouds-hill/events/da5eea3f-77e7-4b9d-aa51-84d573ec2be2Book your place
- Eggardon Hillfort. Ancient and Wild
- Enjoy the spectacular views from the ramparts of Eggardon Iron Age Hillfort and walk alongside our National trust volunteers from our Archaeology and Heritage Ranger Team and our Ecology Team, learning from them as you go. Date: Saturday 4 July 2026 Time: 10:30 - 12:45 To find out more and book a place visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/eggardon-hill/events/7f983174-8ae7-4e74-92f8-16495be6a3cdFind out more and book a place
- Reflections on our Landscape - Part of the Festival of Archaeology
- Our National Trust guided walk volunteers will discuss the ancient monuments we pass and help us imagine what it was like for our ancestors; their use of wild plants, crops, industry and crafts. The walk is approx 7 miles (taking up to 5 hours, including lunch break) and is linear, so follows the same route back, but detours to the Grey Mare and Her Colts and the Hellstone ensuring you see different things in the landscape walking the other way! Meeting: Hardy Monument Car park Date: Saturday 1 August Time: 11:00 - 15:45 To find out more and to book a place go to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardy-monument/events/9b483ef1-6fba-4a08-8fba-c541ac326f77To book a place and find out more
Exploring Lyme Regis
This programme of regular, monthly walks around Lyme Regis and beyond are designed to have a focus on exercise, wellness, and being outdoors. People are invited to come for just one walk or take part in all the walks to create a monthly (or twice monthly) routine.
- Lyme Regis to Charmouth – Bus It Back
- Dates from April - September. 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. Book in person at the Lyme Regis shop or call on 01297 445828.Book your place
- 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 (May, July & September). Booking in person at the Lyme Regis shop or calling: 01297 44 5828. The walks are designed to have a focus on exercise, wellness, being outdoors and social connection, it is part of a programme of walks which depart Lyme Regis shop and people are invited to take part in as many walks as they like.Book your place
- Jane Austen Guided Walk
- August 6th and August 13th 2026, walks departing at: 10.00, 12.30 and 15.00. Lyme Regis was one of Jane Austen's 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. If you'd like our expert guides to lead this walk for your group, at a time and date to suit, please get in touch. You can book for FREE by calling the Lyme Regis gift shop on: 01297 445828 or by popping in and speaking to the team.Book your place
Walks on the Golden Cap Estate
- Green-Winged Orchids - finished for 2026
- *The orchids have now passed over for this year but they will be back again in 2027. Keep an eye on this page for details of next years walk* 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.
Walks near Bridport
- Hive Beach to Cogden – Climate Walk
- Starting on 28th April (11:00 - 13:00) and will run monthly on the last Tuesday in the month until September. Meet at the National Trust Car Park Hut at Hive Beach at 11am. Learn about coastal erosion on this informative 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 discussing. Check back here soon for more details. If you have a group who would like a bespoke walk organised please get in touch using the email below.Book your FREE place
- Hillfort Walks & Festival of Archaeology Walks - Cogden Beach
- 29th July will see a walk to tie in with the Festival of Archaeology at Cogden. Please follow this link for more details and to book your place: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hive-beach/events/6e08da01-227f-4af8-8e40-a8d56dd89cef If you'd like our expert guide to lead this walk for your group, at a different time and date to suit, please get in touch. More details to follow soon.Book your FREE place now
- COMPLETED - Lewesdon Nature and Spitfire Walk
- *Please look out for this walk happening again in 2027* Explore Lewesdon Hill, visit the Spitfire crash memorial from 1942, and enjoy the wonderful landscape. Walk with our ecology team to learn what a special place Lewesdon is. More details to follow.
Frequently asked questions
We look forward to welcoming you on a walk.