The perfect antidote to urban life and the pressures of work, Othona's walking weeks are renowned for the diversity and sheer beauty of the routes on offer. April is a beautiful month for us to step out together while the Spring is at its height.
Each morning we set out with packed lunches to enjoy a led walk. By providing a choice of short and long walk each day we aim to let you shape the week to your level of fitness and walking enthusiasm. By sharing cars we get everyone to the starting points.
Stunning cliffpaths, hidden valleys, ancient earthworks, remote woodlands, beautiful villages, atmospheric churches… Dorset and East Devon have all this and much more. Some of the walks will take in a fine café or tearoom; perhaps a homemade cream tea to renew your spirits?
Mark James’ former work with the Dorset Wildlife Trust means he knows the county’s footpaths with a naturalist’s eye and is a great guide to plants and wildlife. Tony Jaques has been leading walks here for more than 20 years but still manages to vary his routes and discover new delights. They’ll be joined by other invited walk leaders.
These are friendly group walks, not forced marches, but Dorset has its fair share of hills so you do need to be relatively fit – especially for the longer walk options. No walk is compulsory; you can pace your own week.
Back at Othona we'll enjoy scrumptious home-cooked food, reflective ‘seedtime’ each morning and evening relaxation by the community log fire.
We know there are couples in which one partner is fit and eager to walk, the other less so; we welcome your booking if you are sharing a bedroom and whichever one of you doesn’t come on a walk you are happy to ‘entertain yourself’ at Othona – maybe relaxing in the library or around the garden.