Walk Dorset’s History

Dorset is rich in history and evidence of this unique historic past can still be found in Dorset’s villages and towns. Using these guides, you’ll get a better feel of the place and understand what makes it unique.

Self Guided Walks

Walk 1: Blandford

Distance: 1.2 miles / 2km
Difficulty: Generally level route on tarmacked paths. Slight incline around the church.

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Walk 2: Cerne Abbas

Distance 1 mile/ 1.6km
Difficulty Generally level route on tarmacked paths with a few small gravel areas and an optional short slope. Near the end of the walk the path narrows with some raised tree roots, if this is an issue use the alternative path shown on the map

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Walk 5: Swanage

Distance 1.2 miles/ 2km
Difficulty Generally level route on tarmacked paths, with a gentle slope through the gardens and town. Seafront seats at regular intervals.

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Walk 7: Abbotsbury

Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3km with optional hill further 0.6 miles / 1 km
Difficulty: Flat and mostly tarmacked paths with optional steeper path up hill. Dog friendly.

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Walk 8: Beaminster

Distance: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
Difficulty: Mostly flat and short gentle slopes on tarmacked paths. Dog friendly, except Memorial Playing Fields. 

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Request a physical pack

To make these history walks accessible to all, the Stepping into Nature project offers two convenient options for getting the guides. Individuals may request a complimentary physical copy to be delivered via post (subject to availability) by emailing stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or they can easily download a PDF version.

Enjoy Dorset's history and want more?

Audio Journey from Land to Sea

This audio journey takes you along the Wessex Ridgeway Trail from the highest village in Dorset, Ashmore, to the sea, Lyme…

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Land of Bone & Stone

The unique South Dorset Ridgeway Hidden in the hills between Dorchester and Weymouth lies a remarkable landscape, the South Dorset Ridgeway.…

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Valley to Market Food Trail

Valley to Market Food Trail Follow the historic footsteps of the valley’s farmers taking their produce to Dorchester’s market.

Explore

Looking for something else? Use the map or search with the tools below.

Looking for something else? Use the menu or search with the tools below.

Supporters

We would like to thank the Dorset History Centre and Steve Wallis for the contribution of old photos for the walks. Funded by the National Lottery Community fund through the Stepping into Nature project led by Dorset National Landscape. Created in partnership with Dorset Council with special thanks to Steve Wallis – Dorset Council Senior Archaeologist. 

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