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.

These walks are designed for those without a rich knowledge in history but would like to know a little more about the area. Old photos are used, often from postcards, to see what has and hasn’t changed over the past century or so.

We recommend a generous 1 hour 30 mins to complete these 1-2 mile walks allowing plenty of time to sit, relax and soak in the beauty of their surroundings. Steep hills and difficult terrain are avoided in the routes.

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 4: Sherborne

Distance 1 mile/ 1.6km
Difficulty Generally level route on tarmacked paths. Not a dog friendly route

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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 6: Weymouth

Distance: 1 mile /1.6 km
Difficulty Level route on tarmacked paths with 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.

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 the Dorset AONB. Created in partnership with Dorset Council with special thanks to Steve Wallis – Dorset Council Senior Archaeologist. 

Enjoy Dorset's history and want more?

You can explore the local town museums and the county museum or head to the Dorset History Centre for local archives - from council records to personal collections. If being outdoors is more your thing then take a look at these ideas...

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