Ringstead circular hike — National Trust coastal walks in West Dorset

This 4.3-mile (7 km) hike is ideal if you’re looking for stunning views. Beginning in Ringstead in the far east of West Dorset, you can enjoy a clifftop stroll before hiking uphill to sweeping panoramas and along the ridge behind the coast. After the initial ascent, the rest of the route is fairly gentle with a steady downhill too.

1) Begin in Ringstead car park (NT) and hike east along the clifftop. You’ll soon come to the pretty chapel, St Catherine’s by the Sea, which is a lovely spot for a quick sit-down.

2) From here, take the footpath north east and follow it as it winds around to the north then north west, leading to another car park and fantastic views.

3) Take the lane heading west, following it until it takes a sharp right turn. Don’t turn with it and instead take the track leading south west (not the one leading due south).

4) This footpath leads you all the way down to the clifftop where you’ll find a handily placed pub. Hike eastwards along the cliffs back to where you started.