Where are the best river walks in Dorset? Walking along a river is a peaceful and popular option for many people. There’s often plenty of wildlife to spot, if you’re lucky you may spot an otter or a Kingfisher.
Wareham Two Rivers Circular Walk
Following the river Frome and river Piddle in Wareham, you can enjoy a circular walk from Wareham Quay. This 2.5 mile walk is signposted with a Lapwing bird and “Two Rivers walks”.
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This walk takes you along some nice quiet roads and onto the old Wareham walls. Looping around Wareham Common and back towards the Quay.
Discover a full review of the Wareham Two Rivers Walk
White Mill And Shapwick Circular Walk
A 4 mile river walk starting at the 18th Century mill in Dorset. There is a car park opposite the Mill (BH21 4BX). This walk takes you along the river Stour towards Shapwick. The path continues for around two miles, through squeeze stiles until you reach St Bartholomew’s Church.
The path is waymarked with number 8 waymarkers to keep you on track. The footpath signs will direct you through the village and past the Anchor Inn. Walk up the high street until you reach a junction. Turn right towards Crab Farm and right again down the bridle path. At the bottom of the path, turn left and return back along the roads to White Mill car park.
Ratty’s Trail Circular Walk
This is a fun river walk for kids and adults alike in Dorset. A circular route with a distance of around 1.5 miles, waymarked via an arrowhead disc in the ground.
The trail was created to encourage people to discover the Dorset wildlife and countryside. The trail begins from Dorchester library and the pavement around County Hall. Cross the road and follow the steps down to Hangman’s cottage. There is shallow water here by the river, and a great place to paddle in the Summer.
Crossing some footbridges, turn right across the fields. There may be sheep grazing in the fields, so any dogs walking with you must stay on a lead. As you pass a small wooded copse, you’ll then meet the river Frome again before the path arrives back at the High Street at Grey’s Bridge.
Going right over the bridge, the trail is now on roads, so beware of traffic. When you reach the White Hart pub, take the path to the river bank and back towards Hangman’s Cottage.
Throop Mill Linear Walk
This popular Throop Mill walk is around two miles in linear distance. The best place to park is at the Stour Valley nature reserve car park and walk through to Throop Mill.
From the car park, follow the path to the river. Turn right and follow the path along the river Stour. There are two paths, one near the river which can be a bit muddy in the Winter months, and another a little further up.
The path is well signposted, with plenty of way markers along the way. You’ll pass fields of cows and sheep, as well as plenty of open green space, and if you’re quiet there are lots of nature calls to be heard.
There is a small section of road walking but traffic is generally quite quiet. When you reach Throop village, stay on the road until you spot the abandoned Throop Mill. From here you can follow the Stour Valley Way trail behind the mill and across a bridge over the water.
Eye Bridge Circular Walk
This two mile walk from Eye Bridge in Wimborne, is marked with number 8 waymarkers. Parking is available in Cowgrove Road, BH21 4EL.
Facing the river, turn right towards the path and the bridge. Don’t go over the bridge however as this will eventually lead you to a busy road. The river will be on your left hand side as you follow the path. There are sections of the path that become narrow, and a bit muddy in the Winter. However this is mainly a flat route.
When you reach the stile, the path will loop around a field before rejoining the path back to the car park.
River Char Linear Walk
If you’ve visiting Charmouth, why not enjoy this pretty river walk through Charmouth towards Wootton Fitzpaine. Parking is available in the beach car park at a reasonable cost.
The walk begins from the middle of the village next to the post office. Follow the footpath along the river side for around a mile and a half across pretty meadows. This is a linear walk, and steps will need to be re-tracked back to Charmouth.
River Lim Linear Walk
The river Lim is on the Dorset and Devon border. You can enjoy a pretty river walk between Lyme Regis and Uplyme which is around 1.5 miles linear total covering both the counties.
Begin your walk at Lyme Regis town mill, and follow the signposted path until you reach the Talbot Arms. You will have also passed Uplyme Mill along the way. During your walk, along the path, you’ll spot themed benches to rest if needed. These were created by Dorset furniture designer Alice Blogg.
