Dorset

Explore north Dorset’s captivating beauty. From the landscapes which inspired literary hero Thomas Hardy to the green and lush patchwork of fields of West Dorset.

Walk in the footsteps of Tess D’Urbervilles on trails created by our own expert team or journey down by the meandering River Stour, where Kingfishers and Herons fly. Our local trails will take you off the beaten track and deeply into Dorset.

Choose your Dorset, UK walking holiday and tour options below.

Dorset walking tour collection:

  • Smugglers Tale, Dorset Jurassic Coast Walk through spectacular views and scenery on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, England's first natural world heritage site. It's 95 miles of stunning coastline boast rocks recording 185 million years of the earth's history and this incredible geology is of global importance. Read more
  • Country Houses and Gardens on foot A must for anyone who loves English country houses and gardens. From stately homes to wandering down long meandering driveways, see the South West's greatest gardens with a memorable Foot Trail. Stay for several nights in multiple locations of up to 6 different counties of South West England. Read more
  • Thomas Hardy’s Dorset

    Inn to Inn Walking & Hiking, Dorset

    Walk in the footsteps of author Thomas Hardy's Tess D'Urbervilles and follow her story through north Dorset. You'll take in Shaston (Shaftesbury) and Marnhull (Marlett) with plenty of Dorset countryside and hand-picked country inns and pubs and magnificent English countryside en route too. Read more
  • Wessex, Ancient Kingdom

    Inn to Inn Walking & Hiking, Wiltshire

    Our signature award winning trip. Walking adventure up to 12 nights, through the ancient kingdom of the West Saxons, Wessex. Including Wiltshire as well as Dorset and Somerset. Off the beaten track, through ancient lands with castles, deer parks, rivers, mills, iron-age hill forts and scenic landscapes. Read more
  • South West Explorer

    Walk, Tour & Explore up to 21 nights

    Stunning and varied walking and hiking adventure up to 21 nights in up to six of the South West of England's counties in one trip. You'll work with your own fully trained Trail Consultant who will help you plan and organise your own totally custom-made and fully flexible tailor made walking trip through the South West. Read more

Why choose Dorset?

The natural beauty of north Dorset has inspired poets and authors across the centuries, including Thomas Hardy and William Barnes. Indeed it has been declared an area of outstanding natural beauty which includes The Cranborne Chase and chalk downland and meadows. Alison and David Howell have walked this area for over 25 years!

  • Walk chalk downland
  • Enjoy wild flowers and nature
  • Visit ancient earthworks and archaeology from the Neolithic period onwards
  • Step out on The Cranborne Chase, a former royal hunting ground visited by both King John and Henry VIII
  • Stay in a place currently working towards International dark sky status – making it a superb place in which to see and enjoy the stars. Star gazing brings us wonder and amazement.

“Wonderful, we have been traveling for 40 years and this is one of the best trips we have been on. After having visited most of the large cities of Europe we have been going back and trying to visit the countryside of some of the countries. Your company did a fantastic job of putting the trip together and personalizing it.”

Doug and Rita, USA

With Foot Trails you can choose from 4 styles of walking holiday or tour:

Staying in one place

For relaxed time out – one gorgeous hand-picked country inn as a centre throughout your holiday, different trails to enjoy each day. Bring the car or walk car-free. Two daily walk programs to choose from – 5 to 7 miles / up to 10 miles or mix & match and add rest days.
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Walking & Touring Trips

Looking for a variety of locations within your trip? Stay in two or three hand-picked country inns, enjoy a different trail from each base each day. Bring the car or walk car-free. Two daily walk programs to choose from – 5 to 7 miles / up to 10 miles or mix & match and add rest days.
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Inn to Inn Walking / Hiking Tours

Trails that lead from one place to another. Spend two nights at each hand-picked country inn on route. Our unique approach gives you a day to explore the area where you are, the following day take a trail to your next country inn, your luggage transferred ahead by our rural team. Daily walks vary from 8 to 12 miles, and add rest days.
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Private Guided Tours & Holidays

Foot Trails offers memorable, customised, private guided walks with founders Alison and David Howell.

During this time you will have an opportunity to draw on their deep knowledge, passion and expertise for nature, history and the region, with your own custom made walking experiences from half a day to several days.
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More details or information?

Please get in touch with Team Foot Trails. Simply tap or click one of the icons in the top right of your screen to email or skype us instantly.
Alternatively go to our quick fill form to request example itineraries, trip ideas or with your question.

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