Best walks in Weymouth

Distance: 5 miles, 2.5 miles each way 

Difficulty: easy to moderate - some steep hills and stairs 

Starting your walk at Bowleaze Cove, you'll follow the South West Coast Path. As you ramble along, you'll get to soak in the breathtaking views of Weymouth from Red Cliff and Eweleaze Beach, either from the kid- and dog-friendly grass path, or the cliff path if you dare... 

As you cross Black Head and Osmington Bay, you'll come across a few kissing gates to pass through and a bit of rocky, hilly terrain. Look out across the coast to see Portland and the chalky White Nothe.When you reach Osmington Mills, you'll be greeted by the Smuggler's Inn - a gorgeous pub that's brimming with as much dark history as it is with fantastic food and drinks! The perfect spot to rest aching feet before you head back the way you came.

Distance: 1.5 miles 

Difficulty: Easy, flat pavement 

Walking in Weymouth will have you enjoying this famous seaside resort on foot, with a perfect circular walk around the bay. Starting at the Clark Endicott memorial, you can walk along the quayside and learn more about Weymouth's origins at the harbour master's office. From there, pop along under the bridge and you'll get a fabulous view of the marina. Continue on to the esplanade and treat yourself to an ice cream and some chips while you admire the jubilee clock tower!

Distance: 2 miles 

Difficulty: Easy, fully paved

Once a railway line, the Rodwell trail takes you from Weymouth to Portland along a fully paved path teeming with birds, butterflies, insects, and plants. As you make your way along, you'll discover old station platforms and get to enjoy views of Portland Harbour. Sandsfoot Castle is visible from the path, an old coastal defence built in the 1500s under the reign of Henry VIII. It's a journey that packs nature and history all into one trip!

Distance: 1.6 miles 

Difficulty: moderate, muddy field paths 

This circular route takes you past the Two Mile Coppice and Lorton Meadows conservation centre, run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. This walk's a little muddy in places, so make sure everyone pops their wellies on before heading out! Cattle graze in the meadows during some parts of the year, and you'll get to walk among tranquil meadow flowers and plants, too. It's a little slice of heaven among the nearby residential areas.

Distance: 2.5 miles 

Difficulty: easy to moderate, some gravel track 

Through fields and into woodland, this short circular starts at Meadow Close bus stop and continues along through the countryside, joining part of the South West Coast Path. You'll have panoramic views of where the rugged coastline meets the rolling hills of Dorset, so get your camera ready! Continue on to discover the Old Fleet Church and learn about the devastation caused by the great storm of 1824.

Distance: 1 mile 

Difficulty: easy, flat terrain that's easily accessible 

Follow the wild Weymouth discovery trail and spot all kinds of wildlife on your journey around this beautiful haven in the middle of Weymouth. It's a purpose-built walk to help the whole family spot birds, insects, and plants native to the area, with platforms to help you feed the ducks, learn what's lurking in the ponds, and places to stop and rest. You'll be pleased to know there's plenty of parking and toilets.

Distance: 1 mile 

Difficulty: easy, flat terrain

On foot, you can enjoy the pretty sailboats and picturesque buildings dotted along Weymouth Marina. Starting at the library, make your way down to the marina using the footpaths and then simply follow it all the way around! On the way, there are plenty of places to sit and admire the view, or stop in for a quick bite to eat, many of which are dog-friendly. Continue your way around the paved paths and end up back where you started.

Distance: 1.5 miles  

Difficulty: easy to moderate 

The award-winning Greenhill Gardens are a must-visit when in Weymouth, so take this pleasant little circular along the esplanade and promenade to get there! Starting at Astrid Way, you can get to the esplanade in a couple of minutes. Breathing in that salty sea air, walk along and admire all the pretty little old buildings that line the seafront. You can reach the gardens by taking a pedestrian path at the end here. Have a seat among the plants, flowers, and benches and grab an ice cream while you enjoy the lapping of the waves on the shoreline.

Distance: up to 11.5 miles 

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, rugged terrain and steep cliffs

As walking trails in Weymouth go, this one's not for the faint-hearted. Pack sensible clothing and footwear, with snacks and plenty to drink. Starting at the Weymouth railway station, you can take the South West Coast Path along the entire length of Weymouth's beach into Overcombe and Bowleaze Cove, over the cliffs and through the rolling fields. You'll have plenty of photo opportunities, especially as you climb over the iconic Durdle Door and towards your last stop at Lulworth Cove. After a long hike, treat yourself at the Lulworth Cove Inn and admire the breathtaking scenery.