There’s nothing better than enjoying a good walk followed by a refreshing drink at the end. We’ve collated some great pub walks in Dorset to offer some inspiration for new walking routes with a pub en route.
Wareham Two Rivers Walk
Parking: Connegar Lane car park (BH20 4NQ) is the closest car park. Alternatively you have the Quay car park (BH20 4NN) but this is closed on Saturdays for market day.
Distance: 2.5 miles circular distance
Route: The Wareham Two Rivers walk begins from the bottom of the road at the edge of the cemetery. You can choose to turn left or right here following the sign posts.
Turning right, the walk takes you through some woodland and out along the edge of the river Frome. This walk is perfect for wildlife lovers as there’s always something to see. Keep the church in your view and follow the path. You can’t really get lost on this walk once on the path.
The path narrows in places and has small inclines in the paths. There are some places where it gets quite close to the river bank but mainly it’s a pretty river walk.
Returning to Wareham Quay, there are a variety of pubs and restaurants to choose from. We enjoy a visit to the Old Granary pub located right on the quay.
Ringstead To Osmington Circular Walk
Parking: Ringstead Bay National Trust car park (DT2 8NQ)
Distance: 4.5 miles circular distance
Route: From the car park, follow the track down the hill and past the farm land. At the bottom of the hill you will pass through a farm building but on the public footpath and through the gate.
Crossing the field towards Ringstead beach, you have the option to walk along the shingle beach, or take the path at the top in the field.
Passing some pretty cottages, follow the path until it veers to the left. This is the only way to go that isn’t on private land, and takes you through some woodland. There are steps to go both up and down, and a small stream to cross.
The walk then takes you along the cliff tops with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Before long, you’ll pass through another field and arrive in the beer garden of the Smuggler’s Inn in Osmington. The perfect place to stop before your return journey back to the car.
Hengistbury Head To Mudeford Quay Walk
Parking: Hengistbury Head car park (BH6 4EL)
Distance: 1.7 miles linear (includes a short ferry journey)
Route: Beginning from the car park, your walk can take you across the beach at Hengistbury, over the headland or through the woodland paths. Follow the path towards the visitor centre and continue straight on for the woodland path, or turn right to walk across the headland or via the beach.
When you reach Mudeford sandbank, stay on the side of the path where the land train stops on the harbour side rather than the beach side. The Mudeford Ferry departs from just near the Beach House cafe and takeaway. It’s a good idea to check the ferry sailing times before beginning this walk.
The ferry runs approximately every fifteen minutes between Mudeford sandbank and Mudeford Quay.
When you arrive at Mudeford Quay there is a popular pub and restaurant called The Haven House Inn. The perfect pit stop along your walk. Before catching the ferry back across the water, why not explore a little further down to Avon Beach.
Lulworth Cove To Mupe Bay Walk
Parking: Church Road, Lulworth, BH20 5SG
Distance: 4 miles circular (the walk is only accessible when the Lulworth ranges are open to the public)
Route: Begin your walk around Lulworth Cove and up the steps at the far end. You will follow the path around to the right to the lookout at the top of Lulworth Cove. Turn right towards the army ranges and the fossil forest. There has been a diversion in place around the fossil forest in recent years due to a landslide so follow any diversions that may still be in place.
The walk is nice and flat with amazing views at this point before your descent down to Mupe Bay. After you have enjoyed Mupe Bay, you have to tackle a steep hill. This one isn’t for the faint hearted!
If the hill isn’t for you, then feel free to turn around and trace your steps back to Lulworth Cove. Onwards with the circular walk, at the top of the very steep hill walk along the ridge towards Bindon Hill.
Emerging from Bindon Hill, you’ll see you’re on the road close to the church in Lulworth and near to where you parked. Why not stop for a meal or drink in the Lulworth Cove Inn.
Keep checking back as we discover more pub walks in Dorset to share with you.