Walks from Maiden Newton

Chalk downland, dry hanging valleys, rounded hills, broad ridges, chalk streams, picturesque villages and historic churches.

Time: 7h

Warnings: Six hilly ascents.

Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).

Recommended: Some great views. Mostly across fields, some arable and some pasture but largely empty and with stretches of quiet lane walking. Well maintained and easy to follow. The ground can develop short muddy sections in winter. Mostly follows the Macmillan Way, so it is well waymarked. Passes through the landscaped estate of Melbury Park.

Time: 4h30–9h30

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Reverse direction: Railwalks (inc. GPX).

Great views; picturesque. Hill and moorland paths and with substantial climbs.

Hilly: a quarter on high ground, rising above the surrounding land.

Time: 5h–10h

Walk details: Railwalks.

A solid, easy and direct walk following the Frome Valley cycle path, tarmac or gravel all the way and so good in winter with no mud. Almost flat from Maiden Newton with a few climbs and descents approaching Dorchester; mostly along quiet lanes and a bridleway. Mainly follows the Frome Valley Cycle Trail. A detour through access land near Dorchester takes in Poundbury Hill Fort.

Time: 3h30–7h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Chalk downland, Cerne Valley, historic Dorchester city centre and two modest climbs with fine views.

Warnings: Hilly ascents.

Source: An alternative variant of Maiden Newton Circular or to Dorchester – the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).