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Dorset, England
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Hotels in Dorset
Ramada Encore Bournemouth
Ramada Encore Bournemouth
StarStarStar
The Ramada Encore Bournemouth is ideally situated in the town centre, offering a modern, design-led hotel that combines affordability with a great...
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott
StarStarStarStar
Overlooking long sandy beaches and open promenades, its the ideal place to relax with its fresh sea air and wonderful sweeping coastline...
Norfolk Royale Classic Hotel
Norfolk Royale Classic Hotel
StarStarStarStar
The Norfolk Royale is a fine Edwardian hotel, set in attractive private gardens in the heart of Bournemouth, close to the elegant shops, magnificent...
Thistle Poole
Thistle Poole
StarStarStarStar
Thistle Poole is situated on the quayside and overlooks the harbour. The hotel is a great base for exploring Dorsets vast and varying countryside, the New Forest and local towns...
De Vere Royal Bath
De Vere Royal Bath
StarStarStarStar
Situated overlooking Poole Bay, nestling in its own secluded grounds. The De Vere Royal Bath provides the very finest tradition of first class comfort, service and hospitality...
Menzies East Cliff Court
Menzies East Cliff Court
StarStarStarStar
Positioned on Bournemouth's East Cliff with spectacular sea views, the Menzies East Cliff Court has positioned itself as one of Bournemouth's leading four star properties...
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Abbotsbury — Backpacking Dorset

Back: Langton Herring // Forward: Abbotsbury - The Bouncing Bomb

Abbotsbury Trail Map
Between (429) and (431) the trail will lead you down the hillside to a stone wall near (431). Use the steps to climb over the wall, and then follow the trail southwest to the road at (432). Follow the road northwest from (432) to the Swannery parking lot, located near (433). There are also public rest rooms located near (433).

The Abbotsbury Swannery is located at (S). There are several hundred swans that nest here. With few exceptions, all swans at large on open water belong to the Queen. During the spring months, visitors are invited to watch the baby swans hatching in their natural environment.

A short walk north along the single lane that's in front of the cafe will take you to New Barn Road, which leads to one of the largest tithe barns in England (U), and the beautiful village of Abbotsbury.

Abbotsbury Street Map
Our route continues behind the Swannery cafe at (434). From (434), hike halfway up the hill to the pillbox at (437), and then to another pillbox at (439). From (439) the trail descends to the end of the dirt road at (440). At (P) is the Abbotsbury Hill Fort.

At (R) is the 15th century chapel of St. Catherine, located on top of Chapel Hill. There's more than one trail that leads to the top of this hill. The chapel is empty, and open to the public. While our route does not directly meet St. Catherine's Chapel, a diversion to this place of interest is worth the effort.

From (440), follow the trail southwest to the trail head at (441). The trail head at 441 leads to the Dragon's Teeth (W), two rows of giant reinforced concrete cubes that is one of Dorset's most impressive tank traps from World War Two. The trail head is usually hidden by overgrown reeds.

The Dragon’s Teeth, an impressive tank trap in Abbotsbury (W)

Dorset Accommodation:
Campsites & Caravan Parks in Dorset, England

Dorset Attractions:
Looking for Dorset castles? Castles in Dorset.
Enjoy the outdoors: Nature Reserves in Dorset.
Culture and History: Museums in Dorset.
Beautiful gardens and meadows: Gardens in Dorset.

Dorset News:
Harbour to be dredged for summer
Lyme Regis harbour in west Dorset is to be dredged to improve access for boats after becoming silted up over the winter.
Shellfish harvesting ban lifted
A ban on harvesting mussels, clams, scallops and oysters off the Dorset coastline after poisonous batches were found is lifted.

Jobs in Dorset:
XS10.3 1:1 Teaching Assistant
Environmental Health Officer (Health and Safety)
Senior Childcare Worker
Read about all Jobs in Dorset.

Dorset Towns and Villages:
Abbotsbury - Bere Regis - Blandford - Blandford Forum - Bournemouth - Bridport - Cerne Abbas - Charmouth - Chickerell - Christchurch - Corfe Castle - Dorchester - Durlston Country Park - Kimmeridge - Langton Herring - Little Bredy - Lulworth - Lyme Regis - Osmington - Poole - Rodwell - Seatown - Shaftesbury - Studland - Swanage - Tyneham - Wareham - West Bay - West Bexington - West Chaldon - Weymouth - Wimborne - Worth Matravers - Wyke Regis

The County of Dorset - Placenames Around the World