Dorset is one of England’s largest counties, home to cities like Bournemouth and the Jurassic coast, where dinosaurs roamed. Weymouth (Linda Vine) is one of England’s most popular holiday destinations, with safe shallow waters, a lovely harbour and sandy beaches.
Wildlife that live here include hedgehogs, bats, shrews and Chinese water deer. Find ways to help your local wildlife rescue and animal shelter.
Portland Bill (Braddock Fine Art) is a promontory on the southern end of Isle of Portland, the southernmost point of the country, known for its dangerous coast of shallow reefs that has led to many shipwrecks. The area has had no less than three lighthouse to protect ships.
Dorset is home to many pretty beach huts (Tim Westwood) many of which cost almost the same as a small house.
Guide to Dorset Pub Walks is a lovely illustrated pocket guide, detailing circular routes from 2.75 to 6 miles, to take in the beautiful countryside of this lovely county. The book easily fits in your pocket and includes 20 walking routes from coast to countryside, across rugged landscapes to historic villages and ancient monuments. If walking with pooches, see the post of tips for safe dog walks.
You’ll also find a ‘best pub stop’ for each walk (start or finish). All the walks include points of interest, places to visit nearby, how to get there and parking info. There are full colour maps throughout, with clear written instructions to find your way. Selected highlights include:
- The world-famous Jurassic Coast
- The chalk stack of Old Harry
- The south coast’s highest point of Golden Cap
- A walk in history to Iron Age Hillfort of Askerswell
- Exploring villages that inspired Thomas Hardy
- Walk along former Saxon defences at Wareham
- The picture-postcard village of Milton Abbas
- Thatched cottages & striking abbeys
- A coastal gel at Worth Matravers
- Meander along the River Stour at Sturminster Newton