4.6
(553)
4,421
hikers
243
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Tarrant Rushton traverse the picturesque Tarrant Valley within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. The region features rolling Dorset downland, serene river valleys, and a mix of open fields and scattered woodlands. Hikers will encounter the tranquil River Tarrant and sections along the River Stour, providing varied natural scenery. A unique aspect of the area is the former RAF Tarrant Rushton Airfield, where old concrete taxiways now serve as flat walking paths.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.9
(8)
69
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
75
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(8)
24
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
38
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
13
hikers
7.84km
01:59
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most people who pass by such a war memorial commemorating the victims will not have experienced the horrors of war firsthand. A dialogue invented by the writer Paul Harding might help. It is from a medieval detective novel, and the following exchange takes place: "Tell me, brother, when you went to war in France with your little brother, were you happy?" Athelstan felt his heart leap. "Of course." He smiled thinly. "I was young then. My blood was boiling, and I longed for great adventures." "And when you found your brother dead and cold as ice on the battlefield and returned to England... what was there?" Athelstan looked out into the courtyard; it was slowly getting dark. "In the Gospel, Sir John, Christ says that at the end of the world, the heavens will shake, and the planets will fall to earth in blazing fire." Athelstan closed his eyes. He felt Francis's spirit very clearly. "When I found my brother dead in the field," he continued, "it was like heaven falling to earth for me." (Source: "The House of the Red Butcher" by Paul Harding)
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This is the site of Tarrant Rushton RAF during the Second World War. Gliders would take off the evening before D day and the first boots on the ground were from said gliders. The destination was Pegasus bridge in France 🇫🇷.
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Brilliant dog walk alongside the stream perfect for a cool dip in the summer
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Stunning avenue of trees perfect for a photo or two x
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A place for a rest if you need it
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There are over 120 easy hiking trails around Tarrant Rushton, offering a wide variety of options for exploring the Cranborne Chase National Landscape.
Easy hikes in Tarrant Rushton feature a mix of rolling Dorset downland, serene river valleys, open agricultural fields, and scattered woodlands. You'll also find unique flat, accessible paths on the former RAF Tarrant Rushton Airfield.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. For example, the SOE Memorial – RAF Tarrant Rushton Airfield loop from Tarrant Rushton offers flat, accessible walking paths on the historic airfield, which can be an engaging experience for all ages.
Many trails in the Tarrant Rushton area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or nature reserves. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
You can encounter several interesting features. The View of Badbury Rings – Roman Road to Old Sarum loop from Shapwick offers views of the impressive Badbury Rings Iron Age hillfort. Other routes pass the historic gates of the Crichel Estate or along the tranquil River Tarrant and River Stour. The former RAF Tarrant Rushton Airfield itself is a significant historical site.
Yes, many of the easy trails are circular. The Witchampton Mill – Crichel House Gate and Arch loop from Witchampton is a popular circular route that traverses farmland and passes the historic Crichel Estate gates.
Parking is typically available near trailheads in villages or designated car parks. Specific parking information is usually detailed on individual route pages on komoot, or you can look for public car parks in villages like Tarrant Rushton or Witchampton.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful rural scenery, the historical points of interest like the former airfield, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable, accessible walks.
Yes, the region includes scattered woodlands. The Crichel House Gate and Arch – Beech Avenue, Cranborne Chase loop from Witchampton leads through parts of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, which features beautiful tree-lined sections and offers a chance to see highlights like the Bluebell Woodland.
Yes, several easy routes incorporate water features. You can find paths along the tranquil River Tarrant, and some trails, such as the White Mill Bridge – Shapwick Village Centre loop from Shapwick, follow sections along the River Stour, offering pleasant riverside walking.
Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the open fields and downland, with wildflowers in bloom. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, especially on the flatter airfield paths. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions.


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