Dorset is renowned for its stunning coastline, featuring numerous hikes that offer dramatic sea views and cliff tops.
However, the county is also best known for its abundance of countryside, rolling hills, and large open landscapes, which make it a favourite among keen hikers and explorers.
This particular walk is full of interesting sights and has an almost eerie and magical vibe to it.
Be prepared for faces in walls and watchful eyes as you venture through Dorset’s holloways.
Here’s what to expect on this Hell Lane circular route.
🥾 This hike is 8.4km and takes around 2hr 16 minutes to complete and is considered a challenging route.
Located near Bridport, you will start your hike in the small and pretty Dorset village of Symondsbury.
Beautiful wildflowers can be seen all around during the warmer months, putting you in an instant happy mood.
The trail is set in and around Symondsbury Estate. 1500 acres of farmland and woodland holding a whole host of holiday properties, shops, a working farm and a cafe.
From here you can grab refreshments for your journey from the Symondsbury Kitchen and meet the farm animals such as donkeys, sheep and pigs that live on the estate.
🐶 Dogs are welcome on the estate, and parking is free.
The first part of your hike will take you to the iconic Colmers Hill.
A tall and prominent hill topped with Scots Pine Trees. The trees were planted in memory of soldiers who died in World War I.
💡 Note: This article highlights the most scenic and intriguing parts of the Hell Lane circular walk. For the full mapped-out route, detailed directions, and user reviews, you can explore the complete guide on AllTrails here.
Hiking to the top of the hill will not only keep you fit but will also treat you to some of the most breathtaking views in Dorset.
You can see miles of countryside, and on a clear day, all the way to the Jurassic coast.
Once you’ve marvelled at the views and made your way down the hill, you can continue your journey to the famous Hell Lane.
Hell Lane runs between Symondsbury and North Chideock. It is an ancient and deep holloway dating back to prehistoric times and is one of the most impressive in the country.
📌 Holloway comes from the Anglo-Saxon ‘hola-weg’ meaning ‘sunken road’
You may have to cross a shallow stream during your venture, so be prepared and dress appropriately.
The right footwear is essential during this walk, as the area is known to become very muddy and wet.
The lane is very impressive; the road is as low as 40 feet and is covered in a variety of interesting plants and flowers.
The road has been made through erosion from the passing traffic of feet, hooves and carriages that have passed through here over hundreds of years.
As you pass through Hell Lane and make your way through Shutes Lane, you will come across the famous carvings in the walls.
🗺️ Tip: Want to follow the full route from start to finish? You can view the complete map, elevation details, and step-by-step directions for this walk on AllTrails here.
Intricate patterns and pictures have been carved out over many years.
Walking through the lane, you may get a strange feeling come over you as you sense eyes following you and strange pieces of art sculpted within the walls.
These faces give almost a magical, fairytale feel during your walk. With vines, roots, and wildlife surrounding the carvings, the atmosphere is enhanced.
The trees and the deep lane let in less light, making the walk almost spooky.
You never know what you might come across from animals, patterns and abstract art.
The area at times can be very quiet, so all you can hear is bird song and the wind in the trees.
As with any country walk, you may run into some fluffy farm animals. Bear this in mind if walking with your dog, keeping them on a lead and at a safe distance.
The views are amazing; the abundance of green outside space and stillness that you can only experience in the country are worth every bit of this challenging hike.
There are numerous areas to stop for a picnic, allowing you to take it all in and rest your legs.
However, if you prefer to wait till the walk is complete, you can visit the local pub in Symondbury.
The Ilchester Arms serves up delicious food and refreshing cold drinks after long hikes. The perfect end to your adventure.
To find out more about this trail, such as reviews and the route, visit AllTrails here.
