The best walks and hikes in Valley Of Stones National Nature Reserve

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. A popular option is The Valley of Stones loop from Littlebredy, which provides a comprehensive tour of the reserve's unique landscape. Many routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

The terrain is varied, featuring a mix of gentle paths through open chalk grassland and more moderate ascents to viewpoints. The most distinctive feature is the valley floor, which is littered with large sarsen stones, creating a unique and sometimes uneven walking surface. Most trails are on unpaved footpaths.

Parking is available in small, informal lay-bys near the main entrances to the reserve, particularly around the village of Littlebredy. These spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Some routes also start from nearby villages like Portesham, which may offer more on-street parking options.

Yes, there are several easier options available. The Hardy Monument – Smitten Corner Trail Junction loop from Winterbourne Steepleton is a relatively short and gentle walk that still offers a great experience of the local landscape. In general, the paths in the valley bottoms are flatter and more accessible than the routes that climb the ridges.

The reserve is beautiful year-round, but late spring and summer are particularly special. During this time, the chalk grasslands are vibrant with wildflowers, including various orchids and bellflowers, and you can spot a wide range of butterflies. Autumn offers its own charm with rich colours and the appearance of autumn gentian flowers.

The sarsen stones are the reserve's most famous geological feature. They are large, prehistoric sandstone boulders that form a 'stone river' through the valley. These stones are remnants from the last Ice Age and are similar to those used to build ancient monuments like Stonehenge. They create a unique and atmospheric landscape for hiking.

There are over 200 hiking routes to explore in and around the Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve. These range from short, easy walks to more challenging all-day hikes, with nearly half of them rated as moderate difficulty.

Absolutely. The entire area is part of the South Dorset Ridgeway, a landscape rich in prehistoric monuments. Besides the sarsen stones themselves, many trails pass near ancient burial mounds (barrows) and hill forts. A great route for history lovers is the Hardy Monument Trail, which leads to a prominent historic landmark.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the unique and dramatic landscape created by the sarsen stones, the beautiful wildflower meadows, and the sense of walking through thousands of years of history.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in the reserve. However, it is a working landscape where cattle and sheep are used for conservation grazing. You must keep your dog on a lead and under close control, especially when livestock are present, to protect both the animals and the sensitive grassland habitat.

The Valley of Stones is a natural reserve with very limited facilities. There are no public toilets, cafes, or visitor centres directly within the reserve itself. It's best to be self-sufficient and bring your own water and snacks. Nearby villages like Littlebredy or Portesham may have pubs or small shops.

Accessing the trailheads directly by public transport is challenging due to the reserve's rural location. Bus services may run to nearby villages, but they are often infrequent. Most visitors find it more convenient to arrive by car. Check local Dorset bus timetables for the latest service information to villages like Portesham or Winterbourne Abbas.