The 7 Best Dog-Friendly Walks in Dorset

If you’re looking for the best dog-friendly walks in Dorset, you’ve come to the right place! Dorset boasts a stunning coastline, rolling countryside, and countless charming villages, offering plenty of places for you and your pooch to explore.

From scenic cliff-top paths overlooking the Jurassic Coast to peaceful woodland trails and meandering riverside walks, the county provides a variety of dog-friendly routes to enjoy.

We’re highlighting some of the most popular dog walks that Dorset has to offer. From hidden gems off the beaten track to paths trodden by famous authors, there’s a Dorset dog walk for everyone.

Read on to discover some of the best dog-friendly walks in Dorset…

1. Thorncombe Woods (Egdon Heath), near Dorchester (approx. 5 miles)

First on our list of the best dog walks in Dorset is Thorncombe Woods. This beautiful woodland walk includes both the cottage of famed author Thomas Hardy and Thorncombe Woods itself, the inspiration for Hardy’s fictional location of Egdon Heath.

This dog walk in Dorset begins at Thomas Hardy’s cottage, with a car park conveniently located nearby. It leads you through Thorncombe Woods and across the heath; dogs must be kept on leads on the heath, as there are often free-grazing animals. Thorncombe Wood is home to a diverse range of trees, including mature oaks, sweet chestnut, and beech, a truly serene place.

There are two potential walks to enjoy here. The first route is around a mile long, allowing you to visit some of the estate’s main landmarks, including Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, Roman Road, Black Heath, Rushy Pond, and the National Trust’s Hardy’s Cottage, where Thomas Hardy was born.

The second route is up to 5 miles long and is better suited for more energetic dogs. This longer walk also includes paths through areas like Duddle Heath and Puddletown Forest. A link to both walks is provided below.

Note: The dogs are not permitted in the house or garden of Thomas Hardy’s cottage

Key information about Thorncombe Woods

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5-miles (approx)
Postcode: DT2 8QH
Parking: Thorncombe Wood Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 1 hour £1.50/ Up to 4 hours £4.00
Full Route: Thorncombe Wood Walkabouts

2. Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door (approx. 5 miles)

With calm, blue waters and a white pebble beach, it’s no surprise that Lulworth Cove is an extremely popular destination for dog walking in Dorset. This fantastic route follows the picturesque coastal path, offering views along the coastline and out to sea.

Starting at the car park at Lulworth Cove, the trail leads onto the South West Coast Path, where you’ll encounter breathtaking spots like Durdle Door and Man O’ War Cove. Please note that there may be livestock along the coastal path, so keep dogs on a lead at all times. Given the length of the walk, they’ll be worn out by the end, even without being let off!

There are cafés and food stops in Lulworth Cove, but no other places to stop along the route, so it might be worth packing a picnic or grabbing something to eat before setting off towards Durdle Door. This dog-friendly walk in Dorset affords you access to some of the best beaches in Dorset.

Note: During the walk, there can be some steep and rough sections, so appropriate footwear is advised.

Key information about Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5-6 miles (approx)
Postcode: BH20 5RS
Parking: Lulworth Cove Car Park
Parking charge: 4 hours – £10.00 (Tickets purchased at Lulworth Cove are also valid at Durdle Door and Lulworth Castle)
Full Route: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Walk

3. Wareham Forest Way (approx. 13 miles)

Next up on our list of best dog walks in Dorset is this signposted 13-mile trail through the beautiful Dorset countryside. Starting from Wareham Quay, the route takes you through Wareham Forest and on to Morden, before continuing through farmland and country estates to Sturminster Marshall. It’s a perfect exploration walk for you and your furry friend.

Along the way, you’ll pass an Iron Age hill fort, enjoy stunning views of the Dorset countryside, and might even spot some amazing wildlife—so don’t forget your walking boots and binoculars! Wareham Forest itself is a great place to wander, with miles of tracks and cycle trails; it’s definitely worth a stop before you carry on towards Morden and eventually Sturminster Marshall.

Walking boots are essential year-round, but as autumn and winter set in, wellies might be a better choice since the forest can get quite muddy and boggy. Although dogs should be kept under close control, this is still a fantastic route to tire them out so you can look forward to a cosy evening by the fire in your cottage.

Wareham has a couple of pubs and eateries, so whether you fancy a delicious pub lunch before setting off on this Dorset dog walk or on the way back, there are good options. The full journey there and back is 26 miles, but if you’d prefer to do just one way, it’s a good idea to take public transport from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall first and walk back. To do this, catch either the 40 or X54 from Wareham to Poole, then hop on the X8 bus to Sturminster Marshall.

Key information about Wareham Forest Way

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13 miles
Postcode: BH20 4NQ
Parking: Connegar Lane Car Park (Close to the Quay)
Parking charge: 10 hours – £6.00
Full Route: Wareham Forest Way Full Route

4. Corfe Castle and Purbeck Ridgeway (approx 9.5 miles)

Looking for a dog walk in Dorset that starts in the rolling hills and ventures towards rugged coastal cliffs? Then the Corfe Castle and Purbeck Ridgeway walk is just the thing!

The route begins near the ruins of Corfe Castle, one of Britain’s most iconic remnants of the English Civil War—a picturesque gem perched on a Dorset hillside. Although partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, there’s still plenty to explore within these ancient ruins. There is an admission fee for the castle, and dogs are warmly welcomed on leads, making it a fantastic dog-friendly attraction to break up your walk.

But Corfe Castle is only the start! From here, the Purbeck Ridgeway trail takes you up through the hills and towards the coast. On a clear day, you might even spot the Needles on the Isle of Wight. Along the way, you’ll pass the Obelisk, a towering hexagonal monument brought to Swanage from London in 1892.

The route then leads along the coastal path and into Swanage, where a selection of beach cafés and pubs await you and your dog. If the sun’s shining, why not treat yourselves to an ice cream with views over Swanage Bay and towards the Isle of Wight?

After a scenic adventure with your dog, you can head to Swanage Railway Station for the return trip to Corfe Castle. You can either take the train or catch the number 40 bus back to the National Trust Visitor Centre near the castle.

Key information about Corfe Castle and Purbeck Ridgeway Route

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.5 miles one way (approx)
Postcode: BH20 5DR
Parking: Corfe Castle Car Park
Parking charge: Up to 4 hours – £5
Full Route: The Purbeck Ridgeway Full Route

5. Langdon Hill near Bridpot (approx. 1.4 miles)

Fifth on our list of the best dog walking spots in Dorset is Langdon Hill, a circular woodland walk with outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. With plenty of beautiful trees and plant life, you’ll enjoy wandering through Scots pine and larch before taking in the lovely views over Dorset’s countryside.

One of the best times to enjoy this walk is in spring, when the woodland floor is blanketed with flowers, including bluebells. If you’d like to extend your walk to a fantastic viewpoint, head out of the woods at the southwestern edge, which will lead you to the South West Coast Path.

As you follow the path, you’ll come across the Golden Cap—not an actual golden cap, but the highest point on the south coast, offering truly breathtaking views. This stunning viewpoint alone made Langdon Hill a must-include in our guide to the best dog walks in Dorset.

It’s advised to keep your dog on a lead during this walk, as there are often roaming deer in the woodland, and the cliffs near the Golden Cap can be steep.

Key information about Langdon Hill

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.4 miles
Postcode: DT6 6EP
Parking: Langdon Hill Car Park
Parking charge: All day – £4
Full Route: Langdon Hill Walk

6. Old Harry Rocks near Studland (approx. 3.5 miles)

Taking the penultimate spot on our list of the best dog walks in Dorset is a trip to Old Harry Rocks. With breathtaking views of the coastline and across Poole Bay and the English Channel, it is a must-visit for you and your pup!

This is a fairly gentle walk along the South West Coastal Path, perfect for leisurely strolls in the refreshing sea air. But please be extra cautious with the sheer cliff drops on this Dorset dog walk. Begin this walk in the car park and head down the hill until you get to a gate on the left-hand side, head through and this will connect to the South West Coastal Path which will eventually bring you to Old Harry’s Rocks.

It is believed that this beautiful location is named after a famous local pirate, Harry Paye. However, others believe it stems from the historic name for the devil, who according to legend was reported to have slept on these rocks. Although you might not see the devil, on a clear day you may pot the iconic Needles on the Isle of Wight, as Old Harry Rocks and The Needles were linked up until the last ice age.

Continue along the coastline until you reach the Ballard Cliff, from here you will continue straight along the field, if you head left it would take you to the town of Swanage. Take the next right and head into a section of houses which will then see you head onto a dirt road, this ultimately takes you back to the main road, head right and this road then swoops around to where you started, making its way back to the car park.

This is a perfect walk for you and your furry friend, getting in the fresh sea air and enjoying the stunning views out into the English Channel.

Key information about Old Harry Rocks

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.5 miles
Postcode: BH19 3AU
Parking: South Beach car park
Parking charge: Up to 4 hours – £8
Full Route: Old Harry Rocks Full Route

7. Duncliffe Woods near Shaftesbury (approx. 2.6 miles)

Last but certainly not least in our guide to the best dog-walking spots in Dorset is Duncliffe Woods, one of North Dorset’s oldest and largest woodlands. Located on the twin summits of Duncliffe Hill, this 227-acre woodland dates back to the Domesday Book.

The wood has several trails, each with its own unique route—plenty of options for you and your dog to explore. Trail names like Bluebell, Butterfly, Owl, and Oak Leaf offer something for every walking style and distance, so Duncliffe Woods truly has a Dorset dog walk for everyone!

It’s also a fantastic place for spotting wildlife, as the woods are a designated site of Nature Conservation Interest. Wildlife in Duncliffe Woods includes Roe deer, Nuthatches, Green and Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, and Buzzards, so keep an eye out! Some trails can be steep in places, and paths may get muddy after a rain shower, so please take care along the way.

Key information about Duncliffe Woods

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.6 miles
Postcode: SP8 5LZ
Parking: Duncliffe Wood Car Park
Parking charge: No Charges
Full Route: Duncliffe Woods Full Route

Have these dog walks in Dorset inspired you to book your next adventure? Then check out these dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset and book today! If you’re still searching for your perfect break check out the best dog-friendly holidays in the UK.

Image credits: Stoutcob – CC BY 2.0