A view of Bourton on a sunny November day.

Notices

 

Walking in North Dorset 

Welcome to the North Dorset Group. Our area covers Evershot in the west of the county, Shaftesbury in the east, and south to Blandford Forum. There isn’t a corner of Dorset that we don’t explore, and you will also find us heading out to south Somerset and south west Wiltshire. We welcome members and visitors alike – so why not give us a try? 

When do we Walk

We typically put on two walks each week, on Wednesdays and Sundays. The distance for either ranges between 6 and 10 miles, with an occasional longer walk. We try to avoid ‘route-marches’, but rather take time to enjoy the sights and sounds (and smells!) of the countryside. 

We provide walks with 'added interest' when possible, taking in historic sites in town, village or countryside, or visits to nature reserves. Our area encompasses the Blackmore Vale, and part of Cranborne Chase, giving access to limestone hills, clay vales, chalk ridges, wooded chalk downlands and valley pastures – a wonderful variety.  

Joining our walking community 

As well as our twice-weekly walks, our group works to ensure that paths are kept open and accessible, and routes are well signed. Working with others, we promote the health benefits of walking and having access to the countryside and green space. Becoming a member of the Rambler makes a difference: 

  • to walkers personally, in terms of physical and mental well-being 
  • to our path network and our green spaces, by using paths that might otherwise be forgotten, and by working closely with Dorset Council Rangers 
  • to our collective voice as campaigners. 

Our group organises varied social events, to offer something convivial to all members. We also run training days, to encourage participation in the running of the group, and inspire new and existing walk leaders, to equip them with the knowledge, tools and confidence for leading enjoyable walks for members and the wider walking community. 

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Find out more

a group of walkers in enjoying a ramble in a field

Find a walk

Search 50,000 Ramblers group walks, guided by a walk leader. Enter a location or postcode to find nearby Ramblers group walks. 

a Ramblers group walking on a grass path with rolling hills in the distance.

Find a group

With over 500 Ramblers groups across Britain there is bound to be at least one close to you. Enter a location or postcode to find nearby Ramblers groups. 

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Campaign with us - protect the places we walk

Walking is a simple pleasure that should be open to everyone, so we campaign to remove barriers to walking and we protect the places we love to wander.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking