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Lulworth
South West Coastal Path
About: Here at Total Poole, we love the South West Coast Path for any type of walk, strenuous or leisurely. Our favourite walk is the Lulworth Cove and Fossil Forest walk, which is a moderate dog-friendly stroll across the pebbly beach and through the fossilised forest. Dogs can roam off the lead on the majority of this walk, so it’s certainly a great walk to tire them out!
Distance: 2.2 miles
TGt Rating: 5/5
Branksome
Branksome Park Wood
About: Branksome Park Wood is a beautiful, secluded woodland that stretches all the way from Branksome down to the coastline, where you can join Pinecliff Gardens where there are glorious views across Dorset’s stunning coastline. Dogs are able to explore this woodland freely, and perhaps have a dip in the sea at the other end if they fancy it!
Distance: 2.2 miles (approx)
TGt Rating: 4/5
Poole
Corfe Castle
About: Corfe Castle is iconic here in Poole – and the country – as one of Britain’s most iconic survivors of the English Civil War. It is a National Trust site; however, it is dog friendly and there’s plenty of scenery for you and your furry friend to explore. Please note there is an admission fee and dogs must be kept on leads.
Distance: 1.5 miles (or further if desired)
TGt Rating: 4/5
Creekmoor Ponds
About: Creekmoor Ponds is a 14-acre site with two major ponds, which are home to common woodland, waterfowl and dragonfly species. Dog walks here are extremely peaceful, as the lakes are situated a good few miles out of the town centre, and it gives your dog the freedom to explore and even enjoy a swim in the lakes on a hot day and roam the woodlands they fancy it! Please note that dogs must be kept on leads during bird breeding.
Distance: Approx 1.5 miles
TGt Rating: 4/5
Upton Country Park
About: Upton Country Park is a popular country park with a whopping 160 acres of land to explore. As the park is so big, and there are certain areas dogs are not allowed, Upton Country Park have a car park specifically for dog walkers, so that people can exercise their dogs easily. There's plenty of parkland, meadowland and woodlands to explore at Upton - so it's definitely worth the visit to burn off some of your pooches' energy!
Distance: The choice is yours - please just ensure you follow the 'paw code' (and not go in areas dogs aren't allowed).
TGt Rating: 5/5
Hamworthy
Ham Common
About: Ham Common is the perfect location to walk your dog if you're looking for a quiet and peaceful stroll alongside the beautiful Dorset coast. Ham Common offers plenty of land, lakes and woodland for your pup to explore on the very edge of Poole's impressive harbour, so the views are truly stunning! As this is a nature reserve, please kindly keep dogs on a lead during bird breeding season.
Distance: Approx 1.7 mile round walk
TGt Rating: 4/5
Purbeck Hills
Purbeck Ridge
About: Now although Purbeck Ridge coincides with the South West Coastal Path, we had to include an extra special mention for Purbeck Ridge, because it is absolutely stunning. This hilly coastal walk offers the most incredible views across the Jurassic Coastline and the English Channel. Dogs are free to explore the grassland, but please do ensure they are kept on leads around livestock.
Distance: The Corfe Castle to the coast walk along the Purbeck Ridge is approximately 8 miles, although much shorter walks can be taken. Find out more here.
TGt Rating: 5/5
Poole
Poole Cockle Trail
About: Cockle Trail is a self-guided historic trail which highlights Poole’s most exciting tales from the past, including smugglers and ghosts from the Old Town area of Poole! You begin on the site of the old Fish Shambles and follow the markers, which embark you and your pooch on an easy 1.5-mile stroll.
Distance: 1.5 miles
TGt Rating: 4/5
Sandbanks
Sandbanks Beach
About: If your pup is a real water dog, then they are in for a treat at Sandbanks Beach! The main beach is dog friendly from 1st October to 30th April, however, there is a designated dog walking area at the western end of Sandbanks Beach to Haven Point. What dog doesn't love a roll in the sand and a paddle in the sea?!
Make the most of the beautiful area and refuel at Lazy Jacks, just a few minutes from Sandbanks Beach with views across the harbour. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, smoothies and snacks, it's a perfect pit stop no matter the time of day.
Distance: Up to 7 miles - as this is how long the beach is!
TGt Rating: 4/5
Poole
Poole Park
About: Poole Park is one of Poole's most popular dog walking spots, mostly due to its town-centre location and designated off-lead areas where your pup is free to roam as far and wide as they like. As well as a lake, there is also a large amount of woodland and parkland for dogs to explore, away from the busier parts of the park.
Distance: Approx 1 mile around the circumference of the park
TGt Rating: 4/5
Wimborne
Top Tip
If you're taking your dog for a walk and want to take a break, we'd suggest visiting the Little Pickle on The Mill in Wimborne, Dorset.
They're a delightfully pretty cafe by the river situated on the grounds of Walford Mill Arts and Crafts Centre in Wimborne.
The menu is full of homemade and locally sourced goods to tempt you including Ms Bakery pastries, light lunches, salads, freshly made sandwiches, delicious pork and vegan sausage rolls, and afternoon tea.
They also have treats galore for your four-legged friends: puppycinos, doggie ice cream, cheesey treats, they will be spoilt for choice!