Nearby: East Dorset

'The miles of tracks offer an opportunity to explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife.'

'This Walk Pack has been designed to help you explore and enjoy the rich and diverse landscapes, towns and villages that East Dorset has to offer. There are a range of routes from flat easy walks for families to more challenging hilly ones: e.g. Route 4 Alderholt (5.5 miles)  This walk is an easy, level walk through farmland and woodlands, taking in a section of the beautiful Ashford Water.'

'There are many miles of paths and tracks through Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. You are welcome to walk on any of these paths; however, the best routes have been waymarked.'

'This "trail" is an attempt to describe some of the features in West Moors - based on a journey from south to north along Station Road, then a diversion down Pinehurst Road. There are some snippets of history buried in the script which show that there's more to the village than might be supposed!'

'This route climbs gently to Penbury Knoll then drops down into the small hamlet of Pentridge before crossing Bokerley Dyke onto Martin Down National Nature Reserve. The site is a butterfly watchers dream.'

'Three great walks start at Drusilla's, and two others start in Verwood and West Moors and finish at Drusilla's – so make a great walking or cycling day out, through Thomas Hardy's Wessex countryside, with lunch in the middle. It is also possible to walk to Drusilla's from two local campsites ... The directions for all our walks and cycle rides are free and can be viewed/ downloaded/ printed.'

Drusilla's Inn

'A walk with a nice mix of conifer plantation and open heathland. The start and finish of the route takes you close to Stephens Castle. The view from the lookout spans across East Dorset to the coast.'

'This walk starts in the medieval village of Wimborne St Giles, reputedly the first place in Britain that cabbages were grown. Cranborne Chase spans out from the top of Harley Down, overlooking Ackling Dyke and Gussage All Saints.'