These autumnal Dorset walks are perfect for October

Thomas Hardy Trail at Hardy's Monument 

A nice, moderate walk around the Thomas Hardy Trail will see hikers start their trek at Hardy's monument near Portesham and complete a loop around the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The route has excellent views of Weymouth, Portland Bill and Chesil Beach and is estimated to take an average of three hours to complete.

A few obstacles that may present themselves include a rather steep climb, as well as several stiles and gates.

The beautiful 10.5km loop trail is open all year round and is generally considered to be a moderately challenging route.

Hardy's Monument

Wessex Ridgeway

An autumn hedgerow in Dorset (Image: Citrine Photography)

The Wessex Ridgeway is another popular walking, cycling and horse-riding trail that offers breathtaking views.

The majority of the route straddles a long chalk ridge but in places is broken up by small, rounded hills and secluded valleys.

The walking route starts at Ashmore on the Dorset/Wiltshire border, whereas the cycling and riding section starts at Tollard Royal.

Along the way you will pass many attractive villages such as Cerne Abbas and take in stunning views of the Blackmore and Marshwood Vales, before sauntering down through rolling farmland to finish in the seaside town of Lyme Regis on the dramatic Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Site.

The trail forms part of the Great Ridgeway, an ancient highway that was once an important trading route between the Devon and Norfolk coasts. Today this ancient highway provides the backbone to several recreational trails in southern England.

South West Coast Path 

The South West Coast path is the perfect way to explore Dorset.

The Dorset Coast Path forms part of the 630 mile South West Coast Path National Trail, and after running along the south coast of Devon it then follows the Dorset coastline before finally ending at Poole Harbour.

Walkers can explore towns and areas like Seatown, Abbotsbury, Ferrybridge, Portland, Lulworth Cove, Worth Matravers and Studland.

Treks along the South West Coast Path can be broken down into walks ranging from 10.3 miles – 14.5 miles, for example, Ferrybridge to Lulworth Cove.

The South West Coast Path passes through Burton Bradstock (Image: Phil Grice)

Weymouth and Portland 

There are plenty of walks to complete around Weymouth and Portland as well, including the Portland quarry trails, the Rodwell Trail, around Lodmoor Country Park, and exploring the local nature reserves.

Autumn in the Nothe Gardens, Weymouth (Image: June Gillespie)