If you’re looking for a hike near Weymouth that has brilliant views of the countryside and the beach, then this could be the one for you.
Weymouth is a beautiful part of Dorset that boasts lots in the way of places to eat, drink and stay, with lots of countryside and open spaces to enjoy.
Starting in Preston, this is a circular route that is 8.4 km.
This is a moderate to challenging hike, and appropriate footwear is recommended as the terrain varies throughout.
Here are some of the sights you’ll see on this Preston to Osmington Circular trail.
What makes this hike special is it offers great views of the Osmington White Horse, a figure cut into the limestone dating back as far as 1808.
The figure represents King George III riding his horse and is a popular and famous attraction in Dorset.
💡 Note: If you want a fully mapped-out route of this walk, you can view it on AllTrails here.
During the hike, you’ll come across various campsites, including a caravan park.
Pay attention to the map when walking through, and stay on the right path at the beginning (or the end, depending on which way you start.)
The route gets easier to follow after the caravan site.
There are a number of steep inclines and declines. Once at the top, the views are beautiful and, on a clear day, go on for miles.
Osmington Bay is a breathtaking cove with a sandy beach.
Depending on when you’re hiking this trail, on quieter days, the beach will feel peaceful and secluded. It’s a small haven on the Jurassic Coast.
Views of the horse can be seen standing proudly throughout the hike, offering great photo opportunities and pretty landscapes to admire.
St Osmund’s Church on the route was rebuilt in the mid-19th century however, some of the original features date back to c. 1200.
The graveyard, ruins and church are an interesting sight when walking by. It’s the perfect spot to sit, have a break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
There are lots of different pathways to take on this trail, some may be overgrown.
You’ll come across grass, dirt, pavements and sand.
This hike is in a Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; everywhere you go, you’ll encounter beautiful views, flora and fauna.
Be aware that some of the paths may be muddy, and the chance of slipping may be higher depending on the weather.
The hike is challenging due to the steep ups and downs you’ll encounter.
Make sure you are physically able to deal with the conditions and harder parts of the trail, as the area is secluded.
Despite the challenging side, the feeling of completing the hike and the views that are on offer will make you forget all the hard stuff.
The hills are a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or a short break.
If walking with a dog, please be aware that you may encounter some livestock along the way. It’s recommended to keep dogs on their lead to prevent any danger to the animals.
Picturesque Dorset villages with pretty thatched cottages and droopy willow trees will be part of the walk.
A few local pubs are dotted along the trail, giving you the perfect place to enjoy lunch or a refreshing drink.
This trail is a brilliant hike for any seasoned hiker looking for a challenging route that offers large open spaces, gorgeous views and a place to grab some lunch.
To find out more about this trail and the route, visit the Alltrails website here.
Have fun, and thank you for reading.
💡 If you want more like this, check out these stunning walks in Dorset for your next adventure.
