Cobbled Gold Hill in Shaftesbury with thatched cottages and countryside views, Dorset, South West England.

Dorset – Chalk Hills, Heathland, and Jurassic Coast Cliffs

Limestone and chalk ridges, open heath, and an extended coastline between Lyme Bay and Poole Harbour

Dorset is a county of chalk downland, limestone hills, heathland, river valleys, and coastline in South West England. Walking routes cross the Dorset National Landscape and follow the South West Coast Path along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, as well as the Wessex Ridgeway and Stour Valley Way, linking places such as Lyme Regis, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham, and Swanage across ridge tracks, woodland paths, and cliff-top routes.

Much of the terrain is firm but varied underfoot. Field paths, bridleways, heathland tracks, and coastal trails allow steady progress, with regular climbs along the chalk and limestone ridges and steeper ascents and descents on the coast, while river valleys and harbour edges remain flatter.

The landscape shifts between areas. The west features the cliffs and coves of the Jurassic Coast, the centre becomes rolling chalk downs and farmland around Dorchester, and the east includes low heathland and sandy ground near Wareham and Poole Harbour.

Towns and villages are spaced along valleys and the coast, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes across connected countryside.

Trails and Routes Through Dorset

South West Coast Path

A National Trail following the coastline between Lyme Regis and Poole Harbour on cliff-top paths, beaches, and headlands.

Wessex Ridgeway

A long-distance inland route following chalk ridges and high ground between Marlborough and Lyme Regis.

Stour Valley Way

A riverside route following the River Stour between Stourhead and Christchurch through meadow and farmland.

Hardy Way

A circular multi-day route linking Dorchester with surrounding villages and countryside on rural tracks and field paths.

Castleman Trailway

A traffic-free former railway path between Ringwood and Poole used for walking and cycling.

Walking Character

• Chalk and limestone ridges
• Heathland and sandy soils
• Cliff-top coastal paths
• River valleys and meadows
• Bridleways and rural tracks
• Harbour edges and estuaries
• Coastal and rolling mixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dorset located?

Dorset is in South West England between Devon, Somerset, and Hampshire, bordered by the English Channel along the Jurassic Coast.

What defines walking here?

Chalk downland, heathland, and coastal cliffs with a mix of steady inland gradients and steeper coastal sections.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The South West Coast Path National Trail, Wessex Ridgeway, and several valley and circular routes cross the county.

Is the terrain steep?

The downs are gently rolling, while coastal paths include regular steep climbs and descents.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer ground and longer daylight, while winter conditions can be wet and exposed along the coast and heathland.