DAONB Leaflet.indd - the Dorset AONB

Dorset Area ofOutstandingNatural BeautyThere’s lots of good reasons for getting out inthe countryside but let’s keep it simple –it makes us feel great and it doesn’t cost a lot!If you’re not a regular countryside goer or don’t know thearea, sometimes it’s hard to ind somewhere to suit you… and this is even trickier when you’re taking family orfriends along too.In Dorset we’re spoilt for choice for places to go. With halfthe county recognised as an Area of Outstanding NaturalBeauty, there’s great views, lots of wildlife, lashings of localfood and history around every corner.So we’ve come up with lots of places where you can turnup and know you can park, picnic, ly ly a kite, tire the kidsout or just relax and enjoy the view. There’s a mixture ofwindy hills, sandy beaches and wandering woods to suit allmoods, energy levels ...and all weathers.We’re really pleased to be working with Fudges, a traditional Dorsetvillage bakery. With panoramic views of breath-taking landscapeon offer, Fudges are encouraging people to explore all our season’sofferings with a ‘Bicnic’. It’s all about wrapping up warm, packinga flask and some Fudges biscuits, taking a stroll and, quite simply,savouring the moment. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll be hooked!To show how keen they are to get people bicnicing, they’ve installedtheir first limited edition ‘Bicnic’ bench at Durlston Country Park nearSwanage, so people can sit and enjoy each moment. Take a look atthe Fudges website for other ‘Bicnic’ locations…fudges.co.ukwww.dorsetaonb.org.uk

6: Langdon WoodsEasy woodland walks and play trail makethis a good place all year round for astretch, play and picnic. If you’re feelinglike a longer walk, follow paths to GoldenCap, the highest point on the south coast.7: Eggardon HillWest BayLangdon Woods10: Eype DownIf you believe in ‘cruel to be kind’ thenthis walk is for you. Very steep walk to thetop of Thorncombe Beacon is rewardedby stupendous views followed by gentlecircular walk to tea gardens at DownhouseFarm then back to beach.You can’t help but feel refreshed whenyou come here. Stunning 360° viewsacross West Dorset and the Jurassic Coastbut also a good place to waste time kitelying, picnicking and lots of space forharing around.West Bay11: West BayEggardon HillAn easy to reach part of the Jurassic Coastwith great cliffs (head for the pier to seethem in full glory) and working harbour.Lots of ice cream shops and the play areais good for 0-99 year olds!8: Powerstock CommonGentle walks through the trees andmeadows of this Dorset Wildlife TrustReserve - and along a disused railwayline where there’s lots of butterlies butterlies andlowers lowers in the summer.12: Bind Barrow,Burton BradstockShort walk from the National Trust carpark to great views along Chesil Beach.This is a great spot for kite lying andhide and seek … or coffee & ice cream atthe café.9: Kingcombe CentreBind Barrow,Burton BradstockA hidden gem, tricky to ind but worththe effort for gentle walks around thenature reserve, picnics and a café withdelicious cake!13: CogdenKingcombe CentreThis is part of the unique Chesil Beachmade up of an estimated 180 trillionstones. Short walk from the car park to thebeach where you can picnic, ponder, lykites and count the stones! No swimminghere though.