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Local Dorset Walks

There are a number of local National Trust walks close to Rudge Farm which will allow you to see some of Dorset’s unique geology and natural habitats whilst enjoying the Dorset coast and countryside.

 
 

National Trust Walks in Dorset

West Bexington nature’s harvest walk

Distance 2½ miles from Rudge Farm Cottages

Start West Bexington Beach car park

Following a short stretch of the Dorset South West Coast Path, this walk takes in the area around Chesil Beach, an 18-mile long “barrier beach” that shelters Weymouth from the erosion caused by the prevailing wind and waves. Fishermen are a common sight on the Dorset coastline. Further inland, the wide hedgerows offer excellent habitats for birds, and the nearby nature reserve offers further bird-spotting opportunities.

Lambert’s Castle hilltop views walk in Marshwood

Distance 12 miles from Rudge Farm Cottages

Start Lambert’s Castle car park

Dorset’s countryside is scattered with forts, castles, gun emplacements and other fortifications. There are several recognisable ancient monuments in the county, including the two Iron Age hill forts featured in this walk. Lambert’s Castle offers fine views of the surrounding area, with the coast visible on clear days. The medieval fishpond is also well worth a visit – it is now a wildlife habitat, with kingfishers known to visit on occasion.

Burton Bradstock walk

Distance 3 miles from Rudge Farm Cottages

Start Burton Bradstock car park

This short circular walk along golden Burton Cliff takes in some spectacular clifftop views of the Dorset coast. Hive beach below is part of the fascinating stony beach coastline around Lyme Bay. It was a key landing stage for smugglers, and folklore says that a local fisherman or smuggler could tell exactly where he was on the beach at night or in fog simply by looking at the size of the pebbles.

The regular rock falls often expose fascinating fossils; you can compare finds or simply enjoy the view with some fine fresh fish at the Hive Beach Café.

Langdon Hill Walk Golden Cap

Distance 10 miles from Rudge Farm Cottages

Start Langdon Hill car park

This leisurely walk takes in views towards Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast, which gets its name from minerals in the rock that glisten a rusty-gold when exposed in the sunlight.

This is another stretch of Dorset countryside full of history, from burial mounds to ancient landscape, while the woods fill with wild flowers in the summer months. Stonebarrow Hill, close by, is a great starting point for a network of footpaths, including the family-friendly interactive Smugglers’ Trail.

Find out more about exploring Dorset

What Our Guests Say...

Lovely weekend - The cottage is absolutely amazing, much more than expected!! We had a lovely weekend in Dorset and stay there just made it perfect... clean, friendly staff and really beautiful place!! We’ll come back soon!!

Linda, Shropshire

The kids absolutely loved our stay and it really was the perfect family holiday.

Paula and David, Midlands

Great family fun - We had a great family trip with 14 of us sharing three adjacent cottages to celebrate a family birthday. Whilst we were only there for two nights, the facilities on site were great and kept the three children entertained and busy.

Simon, Cambridge

Perfect country retreat - First class comfortable accommodation in the Gardeners Cottage. Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, we couldn't have wished for more. No hesitation in recommending Rudge Farm to my family and friends.

Stephen, St Albans

We stayed in 'Pigsty Cottage'. So beautiful, we had our own little veranda & stunning views overlooking the lakes & surrounding countryside. A short drive to Chesil Beach. The cottage is well equipped & comfortable. A jug of milk & a selection of tea & coffee was a lovely welcome!

Maryann, Kent
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