Dorchester Walking Festival

About

Experience the beauty of Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast at the Dorchester Walking Festival, 11th - 19th May, 2024.

Lace up your boots and get ready to explore stunning landscapes and the rich history of this iconic region of Dorset. Held during National Walking Month, this festival promises a week of unforgettable walks suitable for all abilities, showcasing the beauty and heritage of Dorset. Come and experience the drama of spring blossom, the heady scent of bluebells carpeting ancient woods and the chance to see wildlife in abundance. 

The full programme is now available to collect from the Dorchester Town Council Offices,19 North Street, the Tourist Information Point at Shire Hall Museum, High West Street or downloadable from https://discoverdorchester.co.uk/dorchester-walking-festival/

With so many walks to choose from, we have helped classify some to make your choices easier: 

Coastal Walks

13th May – Ringstead Bay circular walk -12km

16th May – Overcombe corner into Weymouth -2.2km

17th May – Abbotsbury Circular walk from Hardy’s Monument -16km

18th May – SW Coastal path walk to The Smugglers Inn - 7km

18th May – Hardy Monument Circular walk - 11km

 

Historical Walks

11th May – Tour of Poundbury -3km

11th May - Beyond the Pale - Athelhampton House – 6.5km

12th May – Dorchester Sheroes Walk – 3km

12th May – Thomas Hardy’s Footsteps – 3km

12th May – Dorchester through the Ages – 2km

12th May  - Poundbury Hillfort and Downland – 5km

13th May – History of Kingston Maurward Walk – 1.5km

15th May – Childhood Footsteps of Thomas Hardy – 3km

17th May – Dorchester’s Roman Aqueduct – 4km

17th May – Victorian Dorchester – 4km

18th   May – The Story of Judge Jeffreys – 3km

18th May – The Story of the Tolpudddle Martyrs – 3km

19th May – Folk Song Walk – 4km

19th May - Nature, History and Geology of Maiden Castle – 4km

19th May – Crime and punishment, Dorchester - 1km

19th May – Beating the Bounds – 1km

 

Nature Walks 

12th May -  Urban Trees of Dorchester – 3km

12th May – Dawn Chorus Walk – 3km

14th May – Riverside Tree Walk – 2km

14th May – Poundbury Nature Project Walk – 4km

14th May – Thorncombe Wood – 5km

18th May – History and Nature Walk, Dorchester – 4km

18th May – Wildlife Wander at Hardy Monument – 3km

18th May – Woodland breathwork Walk - Thorncombe 1.5km

19th May - Nature, History, and Geology of Maiden Castle – 4km

 

Every day of the festival features either a Challenge Walk or Walk by Train, offering longer walks from between 7km - 16km through stunning countryside. 

Complete 50km participating in a few of these and enter the 50km challenge to win a stay at The Duchess of Cornwall in Poundbury and a Monart Spa treatment.

Don't miss the opportunity to join us for this unforgettable nine-day celebration of walking.

Book onto walks via www.eventbrite.com/cc/dorchester-walking-festival-2024

In addition to the walks, the Dorchester Walking Festival will collaborate with local accommodation, cafes, local producers and restaurants to ensure participants have a memorable foodie experience. Whether you're seeking a cosy bed and breakfast, a delicious meal or a relaxing spa treatment after a day of walking, our partners are ready to make your stay in Dorchester unforgettable.

Visit discoverdorchester.co.uk/dorchester-walking-festival for further details.