There are so many different options for dog walking in Dorset, you’ll be spoiled for choice. With miles of coastline and acres upon acres of forest paths to explore through Dorset, there’s always a new dog walk to discover.
Badbury Rings
Blandford Rd, Blandford Forum DT11 9JL
Just outside of Wimborne, and on the way to Blandford in Dorset, you’ll find Badbury Rings. An Iron Age Hill Fort with plenty of open spaces to explore. There is a large car park which is free for National Trust members, or a small charge applies otherwise.
There are often signs around stating that cattle can be grazing to be aware when letting dogs off the lead, however whilst we have seen plenty of animal mess left behind we have never come across any live stock themselves.
Corfe Castle
The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Located near Purbeck in Dorset, Corfe Castle is a National Trust property with plenty of walks around the castle that you can do without having to pay the entrance into the grounds if you don’t want to.
There are some amazing views especially from the top, and plenty of activities going on all year around. Dogs are welcome on a lead within Corfe Castle, with everything accessible to explore. Parking is located at the base of the castle, which includes free parking for National Trust members.
Durdle Door
Wareham, BH20 5PU
The iconic Durdle Door is located in West Lulworth, Dorset. The coastal paths are accessed via Durdle Door Holiday Park and is part of the Lulworth Estate. There is a large car park at the top of the beach which is chargeable by the hour.
Access to the beach is via quite a steep path and can take around twenty minutes to walk from the car park down to the beach itself. Dogs are welcome all year around on Man O’ War beach which is made up of shingle.
Take a back pack with a picnic and a blanket to sit on the shingle with and you have an enjoyable few hours giving the dog some exercise in and around the water.
Related post – Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove walk
Delph Woods
Broadstone BH21 3BY
You’ll discover 24 acres of woodland and a pretty stream running through Delph woods. Free parking is located at the entrance to the woods along Gravel Hill, however the turning is quite narrow and can be missed.
It’s easy to explore Delph woods with your dog, there’s even a dedicated dog agility area near the Castleman Trailway entrance of the woods. The paths tend to follow in a circle making it easy to keep your bearings if you’re a new visitor.
Hengistbury Head
200 Broadway, Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH6 4EL
You’ll find Hengistbury Head to the south of Christchurch Harbour with views stretching for miles and plenty to explore. A great dog walk at Hengistbury Head is between the car park near the Hiker’s Cafe and Mudeford beach which takes around 35 minutes.
This walk can be done via the tree lined paths, over the head itself if you’re looking for some inclines, or even around the coastline along the shingle beach.
If you choose to walk over the head, dogs must be kept on leads during certain times of the year to protect the wildlife.
Parking at Hengistbury Head is very cheap in the off season months and then increases when the clocks go forward. It still works out to be a very good value for money day out even if you do pay for the land train on the return journey to the car park. Dogs can travel on the land train at Hengistbury Head for a small charge with their owners.
Moors Valley Country Park
Horton Road, BH24 2ET
One of the many country parks in Dorset, Moors Valley Country Park is located just outside of Ringwood, Hampshire, but is actually in Dorset. Moors Valley is a popular place for dog walking in Dorset, and welcomes dogs on leads with plenty to fill a whole day out.
There are plenty of places to introduce your dog to new smells in the woodland at Moors Valley, and they are catered for with special doggy parks near the play park to secure them whilst the kids have a play. Car parking is charged by the hour at Moors Valley.
You will find dog water stations near the visitor centre, and waste bins (for dog waste only) through the park. There is also a self service dog wash station. Very convenient for those dogs who like to explore and get a bit muddy.