Dorset and Somerset Walks
Situated right in the middle of some of Dorset and Somerset’s most striking countryside, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to walks. Several walks start right from our doorstep and, if you fancy venturing a little further afield, you can explore Sherborne, Cerne Abbas and the wild Jurassic Coast.
We provide hand-drawn maps of our favourite Corton Denham walks, so all you need to do is grab your hiking boots and set off on an unforgettable adventure. The best walks in Somerset and Dorset await.
Corton Denham and the Beacon Circular
This scenic Somerset walk takes you along Corton Ridge, opposite our pub. It is a steep climb up to the ridge, but once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a flat walk and spectacular far-reaching views.
Halfway along the walk, you’ll find a beacon that dates back to 1627. Beacons were lit on high points from the coast up to London to warn of invasion. Today, the beacon glows red at night for aeroplanes, and is lit for special occasions.
From the top of the Ridge, look across to Cadbury Castle, Glastonbury Tor and Parrock Hill, with its distinctive row of trees, planted by a farmer in memory of family members. Wend your way back round, returning along the bottom of the ridge back to The Queen’s Arms for a well-earned drink and bite to eat. This walk takes approximately one hour.
Corton Denham to South Cadbury Circular
Situated next to Corton Denham, the village of South Cadbury is home to the site of Cadbury Castle. Steeped in history, it is well worth a visit. A military stronghold for over 4000 years, the first earthen ramparts were raised in the Stone Age. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk from Corton Denham ridge to Cadbury Castle, where you can look back and see the ridge. The circular Somerset walk takes around 2.5 hours.
If you fancy an easier option, you can drive and park in Cadbury Castle car park and walk up to the top, where you’ll be greeted with the most magical views.
Monarch’s Way
Tread in King Charles II’s footsteps and walk a section of the famous Monarch’s Way, the escape route taken after his defeat in the Battle of Worcester. Stretching from Worcester to West Sussex, the route takes in Boscobel (famous for the Royal Oak Tree that he hid in), Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds, the Mendips and the South Coast from Charmouth to Shoreham-by-Sea, skirting behind Corton Denham.
Starting from Parrock Hill, walk behind the village and imagine what it was like to be a King, disguised as an ‘ordinary’ person, trying to avoid parliamentary troops. The route carries on to the next village, Trent, where the King hid in Trent Manor, narrowly avoiding capture.
The Jurassic Coast
Around an hour’s drive from The Queen’s Arms, you’ll find the wonderfully unspoilt Jurassic Coast. You can pick up the South West Coast Path at various points, offering a range of walks for all levels. The coastline is popular for fossil hunting too. Some of the best beaches for finding preserved pieces include Monmouth Beach and East Cliff Beach.
Some of the most popular and scenic walks include sections around Lulworth Cove, West Bay, Durdle Door and Weymouth. Remember that coastal weather can be unpredictable, and to check the tide times before you go, as some sections of the coastal path aren’t accessible at high tide.