Footscape Holidays

Abbotsbury Independent Walking Holiday

Abbotsbury is an exceptionally beautiful, historic stone and thatch village very close to Chesil Beach. It is well known for its 14th century Swannery and its Sub-Tropical Gardens, which are both open to the public. Its tithe barn and St. Catherine’s Chapel on the hill are all that's left of the medieval abbey, except for a stone archway and remnants of the abbey’s gatehouse. The tithe barn is now a popular Children’s Farm.

In addition to many craft shops, galleries and tea-shops, there are two pubs in the village, as well as a post office and a local grocery shop. Abbotsbury is reached by train to Dorchester or Weymouth, followed by a 15 minute taxi ride. You will be accommodated in the heart of the village, from where all four walks start.

You can choose your own dates for this independent self-guided walking tour or short weekend break, subject to the availability of accommodation.

About the walk

Abbotsbury is set in the most gorgeous walking country. We have created four outstanding walks, following paths beside Chesil Beach and the Fleet (a lagoon), along ancient ridgeway tracks overlooking the Jurassic Coast and into remote, unspoilt villages of the interior, including a stop beside a little-known lake belonging to an impressive country house. 

The trails vary in length from 7½ to 12 miles (12 to 19.5 kms), with opportunities to shorten the longest of them. One ends in Weymouth and another at some very attractive Water Gardens, from where you can catch the Jurassic Coast bus back to Abbotsbury. 

Accommodation and services

Abbotsbury is a delightful place to spend a holiday, although there is limited accommodation in the village; so please try to book early. We will give you our detailed and informative Abbotsbury Trail Guide, as well as the relevant ordnance survey map (with the Footscape trail highlighted), along with all other information that you will need for your holiday. 

If you want to do the full hiking tour, without allowing for any rest days, you can make a booking for 5 nights. Please check availability by completing our short enquiry form.  

Trail Highlights

• The unspoilt village of Abbotsbury
• The Swannery and Sub-Tropical Gardens
• Chesil Beach and the Fleet
• Bennetts Water Gardens
• The spring-fed lake of Bridehead
• Weymouth
• Upwey Wishing Well.