Walks near Weymouth by train
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations near Weymouth and plan your next day of green.
Alternatively, view walks directly from Weymouth.
Dorchester Circular via Hardy's Cottage (Dorset)
9 minutes direct from Weymouth.
Thomas Hardy country east of Dorchester — his thatched birthplace cottage and the woodland and heathland of Thorncombe Wood.
Hardy's Cottage: The thatched cottage birthplace of writer Thomas Hardy, set within Thorncombe Wood nature reserve and cared for by the National Trust.
Thorncombe Wood: A mixed woodland nature reserve surrounding Hardy's Cottage with waymarked trails and heathland.
Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)
Lunch: The Under the Greenwood Tree cafe at the Hardy's Cottage visitor centre; pubs and cafes in Dorchester.
Warnings: Hardy's Cottage can only be visited on a guided tour; check National Trust opening arrangements before setting out.
Walk details: Visit Dorset (tips, photos and local insights).
Maiden Newton Circular via Cerne Abbas (Dorset)
30 minutes direct from Weymouth.
Chalk downland, dry hanging valleys, rounded hills, broad ridges, chalk streams, picturesque villages and historic churches.
Time: 8h30 (7h walking, 1h30 lunch)
Warnings: Six hilly ascents.
Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).
Wool Circular via Lulworth Cove (Dorset)
30 minutes direct from Weymouth.
Rolling Thomas Hardy Country pastures, large woods, dairy farms, remote scenic coombes, steep chalk clifftops, rock stacks, limestone arches, caves, beautiful coves, parkland, heath and bluebell woods.
Time: 9h (7h walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)
Warnings: Can be muddy.
Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).
Yetminster to Maiden Newton (Dorset)
45 minutes direct from Weymouth.
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: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)
Walk details: Slow Ways.
Chetnole to Maiden Newton (Dorset)
30 minutes direct from Weymouth.
Great views; picturesque. Hill and moorland paths and with substantial climbs.
Hilly: a quarter on high ground, rising above the surrounding land.
Time: 6h30 (5h walking, 1h30 lunch)
Walk details: Railwalks.
Yetminster to Sherborne (Dorset)
45 minutes direct from Weymouth.
Fine views over the surrounding countryside. A very rural route following the Macmillan Way: pasture and arable farmland, quiet lanes and footpaths through Honeycombe Wood. Poorly maintained and overgrown in places, with muddy fields and field exits and fine countryside views. Follows the Macmillan Way; combines well with the Yetminster-to-Crewkerne route.
Time: 4h (2h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)
Warnings: The trail is poorly maintained: expect overgrown stretches and stiles, many through reclaiming hedgerow (difficult and low for tall walkers), and nettles. Fields and Honeycombe Wood get very muddy in the wet, and some paths are hard to spot. Cattle (including a bull on one occasion) graze some fields.
Walk details: Slow Ways.
Reverse direction: Visit Dorset.
Bournemouth to Poole (Hampshire)
1 hour direct from Weymouth.
Christchurch to Bournemouth (Hampshire)
1 hour direct from Weymouth.
Coastal path, with a long section from the station to reach the coast.
Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)
Walk details: Railwalks.
Maiden Newton to Dorchester (Dorset)
30 minutes direct from Weymouth.
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: 5h (3h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)
Walk details: Slow Ways.