Dorset Adventures

Explore the deepest, darkest corners of Dorset by foot, wheel or hoof. Discover hidden ruins, beautiful views and ancient monuments. Visit places where mystery exists but only traces remain. Follow the footsteps of our ancestors and escape into this wonderful landscape.

Go where the people don’t go, make the world your own.

Search for a place, theme, activity or era to find a self-guided adventure for you.

For a quick guide see Dorset Inspiration

Check out the Ultimate Jurassic Coast Drive

Or discover The Stourton Caundle Stile Trail

September’s Walk of the Month

🌳🌳🌤️ Stubhampton Bottom – The great divide between Cranborne Chase and the Blackmore Vale 🌤️🌳🌳

‘The most comprehensive site on walking in Dorset’ – Folde Bookshop

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Hand drawn maps are provided for every area mentioned. Prints are also available. See Map page for the full selection.

Articles by Tess of the Vale also feature in Dorset Magazine

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tessofthevale@gmail.com

Top 5 most popular walks of August

See Top 5 walks for more!

Walking Tour Operator of the Year 2025/6

Dorset Adventure Enterprise of the Year 2024

Dorset Adventure Enterprise of the Year 2023

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Recent Posts

Whitchurch Canonicorum

by Tess of the Vale, posted in Walking

From the capital of the vast lowlands of the Marshwood Vale, venture deep into the wild landscape of West Dorset. Pass through Abbotts Wootton, a tiny hamlet once centred on an impressive manor house owned by Abbotsbury Abbey, its ruins now a window. Climb into the woodlands that formed the heart of Cricklade Park, the … Continue reading Whitchurch Canonicorum

Heddon River

by Tess of the Vale, posted in Walking

Follow the little Heddon River upstream as it threads north through the far corner of Exmoor to Heddon’s Mouth. After meeting the sea, trace it back inland, climbing through deep woodland and along ancient paths walked for centuries. Skim the edges of Iron Age enclosures, Bronze Age standing stones and the earthworks of forgotten castles … Continue reading Heddon River

Kingcombe Heritage Trail

by Tess of the Vale, posted in Walking

In collaboration with The Dorset Wildlife Trust Circle around the nature reserve of Kingcombe. Once a small farming hamlet, untouched by modern development and agricultural chemicals, it has become one of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s most treasured reserves. Climb up the valley past a thatched farmhouse and lost cottages to St Mary’s Lane, crowned by the … Continue reading Kingcombe Heritage Trail

Shaftesbury

by Tess of the Vale, posted in Walking

Travel through the layered landscape of Shaftesbury. Begin high on its chalk peak, and descend the iconic Gold Hill to the mills, manors and woodland that once sustained the great abbey founded by King Alfred. Follow forgotten lanes back up to the heights to circle the earthworks of the Iron Age hillfort that later rose … Continue reading Shaftesbury

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