Our top 3 dog walking spots in Dorset

We are fast approaching National Dog Day on the 26^th of August. To mark the occasion we thought we’d give you a run-down of the best walks that you and your furry friends can enjoy in Dorset.

After all, even science tells us that spending time with dogs is good for our physical and mental health! Studies have found that regular interaction with our canine companions reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Combine that with the positive effects of walking in the beautiful countryside, and you’re onto a winner. Here are our three favourite Dorset spots to blow the cobwebs away.

1) Beginning and ending at Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock

This delightful 3km stroll is just perfect for the four legged members of your family. It begins at Burton Hive Beach Car Park and ends there too so when you have finished, you can hop back in the car and drive, or walk, up to the Three Horseshoes pub, a fantastic and friendly pub which happily welcomes dogs, children and muddy boots.

To begin the walk, walk away from the beach as if you were going back up the Beach Road, which is the direction you would have driven from. Soon you will see the South West Coast Path on the left, which you can follow towards Freshwater and West Bay. Follow the South West Coast path along the sea edge until you reach the river Bride, where the route will loop you back towards the car park via a more inland route.

Do keep clear of the cliff edge but be sure to look out for the peregrine falcons nesting on the ledges and in the summer you may be lucky enough to glimpse happily swimming dolphins!

During your walk, keep your eyes open for the many lookouts, gun emplacements and pill boxes dating back to 1940 when Hitler selected this area as his invasion zone, so it became necessary to create a ‘stop line’ against the invading forces.

Take a look at our Burton Bradstock Cottages.

2) Throwing sticks at Bowleaze Cove

Not a walk as such but still a splendid way to spend the day with the dog on a beautiful, all year dog friendly cove. As one of our local residents puts it so eloquently ‘Walking my dog on Bowleaze Cove makes me happy! You can shake off any a bad day with a long walk and a game of fetch!’

If you fancy a long walk afterwards, Bowleaze Cove is just minutes away from the South West Coast Path, where you can walk to Osmington Mills and The Smuggers Inn; a cosy inn known for its colourful history and wonderful views of an area which was famously painted by John Constable.

Continuing on the South West Coast Path will reward you with yet more breathtaking scenery, as you head toward the secluded and peaceful Ringstead Bay, which is also dog friendly.

With an historic inn, stunning scenery and idyllic coves, this ramble won’t disappoint!

Take a look at our Weymouth cottages.

3) Lulworth Cove walk followed by a pint of local ale at The Castle Inn

Lulworth Cove is definitely one of the most beautiful coves on the entire planet. Park up in the Lulworth Cove car park at the bottom of Main Road. The walk comprises of two loops which are completely necessary, or you might miss some of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world! Both make up around a 3.5km stroll. The dogs will be happy with this.

For the first loop, begin the walk from the carpark and head down turning right past the Heritage Centre. Turn left onto the South West Coast path and then admire the view from the viewing platforms over Stair Hole and the Lulworth Crumple. From the last viewing platform, walk back to the World Heritage Site commemoration stone, bear right across the old village green and down to the beach. From here either take the steps to the left of the beach café up to the South West Coast path or join it via the wooden staircase at the far side of the beach.

The South West Coast Path follows the edge of the cove on the cliff top affording the most beautiful views of the cove. Walk the loop, then head back to the car park and pop up to The Castle Inn at the top of Main Road, the most beautiful 16^th Century traditional thatched pub with doggy treats on the bar and a menu of 45 real ciders and ales!

Take a look at our Lulworth cottages.