Baytree House

Hardy’s cottage to Max Gate

Connects two Thomas Hardy landmarks through Dorset countryside and suburban streets with gentle-to-moderate undulations. Mixed surfaces include lanes, field paths and some roadside stretches – best suited to older children rather than buggies. Dogs welcome on leads near roads and livestock. A literary pilgrimage linking Hardy's birthplace with his later home, offering glimpses of the landscapes that inspired his novels plus surprisingly varied scenery for a relatively short route.

Frome Valley Way

Follows the gentle Frome Valley through classic Dorset countryside, mostly flat with occasional mild undulations along riverside paths and quiet lanes. Excellent for families and manageable with off-road buggies on drier sections, though expect muddy stretches after rain. Dogs welcome throughout. The route showcases water meadows, historic mills, and charming villages, offering peaceful valley scenery away from busy trails—ideal for a relaxed day out with plenty of spots for picnics by the water

South Dorset Ridgeway

Follows the chalk ridge high above Weymouth and Portland, offering sweeping views across the Jurassic Coast and inland valleys. Terrain is mostly gentle to moderate incline with well-maintained paths, though some sections can be muddy after rain. Suitable for older children with stamina but not buggies due to uneven ground and stiles. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. Worth it for the dramatic coastal panoramas and prehistoric sites dotted along the ridge.

Mini Explorer Trail and Brass Rubbing, Hardy Monument

Wanders 2.4km on mostly flat, grassy paths around the Hardy Monument with gentle slopes suitable for buggies and young families. Dogs welcome on leads near grazing livestock. Combines countryside views across Dorset with a fun brass rubbing activity at the monument itself—perfect for keeping little ones engaged while adults soak up the panoramic coastal vistas stretching to Portland Bill.

South West Coast Path (Section 50: Ferrybridge to Lulworth Cove)