The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Powerstock
4.6
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6,635
hikers
14
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Powerstock traverse a landscape characterized by rolling greensand and limestone hills, which give way to deep, branching clay valleys and ancient woodlands. This diverse terrain offers a range of hiking experiences, from gentle paths to more challenging ascents. The area features numerous small conical hills, such as Eggardon Hill, providing panoramic views across the West Dorset countryside. Hikers can explore ancient woodlands, open grasslands, and sections of a disused railway line, all contributing to a rich natural environment.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Powerstock
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Askerswell & Eggardon Hill loop from Powerstock — Dorset, a 9.1 miles (14.7 km) trail that takes about 4 hours 6 minutes to complete. This moderate route includes climbs to Eggardon Hill, rewarding hikers with extensive vistas.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Eggardon Hill West Loop – View from Eggardon Hill loop from Powerstock, a moderate 6.8 miles (10.9 km) path. This trail offers varied terrain around Eggardon Hill, providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Local hikers also love the View from Eggardon Hill – Eggardon Hill Trig Point loop from Eggardon Hill, a 6.1 miles (9.8 km) trail leading through the distinctive rolling hills and valleys, often completed in about 2 hours 47 minutes.
- Hiking around Powerstock is defined by rolling hills, deep clay valleys, and ancient woodlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate ascents.
- The routes in Powerstock are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 6,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Powerstock's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.7
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6
hikers
14.7km
04:05
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
15
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(5)
16
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
9
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
6
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Powerstock
Other adventures around Powerstock
Tips from the Community
Be careful here. The bridge is collapsing.
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Mon - closed Tues-Thurs: 5-9 Fri - 12-2, 5-9 Sat - 12-9 Sun - 12-5 Tuesday to Saturday their daily changing menu features seasonal favourites and sharing plates plus specials from their smoker, fire pit and pizza oven. On Sundays they offer a traditional roast with meats from local butchers with lighter options including salads & sharing plates. Their delicious desserts feature classics such as Dorset apple cake and Eton Mess plus specials including their caramelised apple pavlova with burnt toffee sauce. They work with local suppliers and smoke all their our own meats. Has a beautiful outdoors seating area and beer garden.
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The top of Eggardon Hill...... Not that you can tell by the pic. Bad conditions this day made for poor viewing.
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The church dates from Norman times and the chancel arch is of Early Norman architecture. Outside is a very rare thirteenth century Dole Table, from pre-Reformation times when charitable doles of bread were distributed to the poor. Inside the south entrance is a fifteenth century carving of a king and crowned woman giving bread to children. The north and south aisle date from the fourteenth century, and there are two hagioscopes (squints) on the southern side of the chancel arch, which would have given a view of the high alter. Above the squints there is a fifteenth century doorway, which when reached by a wooden stair, would have led to the roof loft. The south doorway within the porch is also fifteenth century and features elaborate carving.
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Farmer has been doing a bit of landscaping to this section. Logs have been moved to the side and are behind an electric fence.
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Eggardon Hill is a prehistoric hillfort, and sits at 827ft above sea level. The hill provides extensive views of the surrounding countryside and the English Channel to the south. The southern half of the hill is owned and maintained by The National Trust (which permits free public access throughout the year) with the northern part in private ownership. The large multivallate hillfort dates from the Iron Age. The surviving earthworks enclose an area of approximately 21ha in total. The defences consist of three ramparts with two medial ditches with additional outer banks to the north-west and east. Ditches and counterscarp banks provide additional protection at the staggered entrances and to the south west where there is an additional outwork. classified as a Hump (hill of any height with a drop of 100 metres or more on all sides)
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There are a couple of logs just to the left of this shot which makes a good stop off point
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This footpath to the west of Eggardon hill creates a nice short loop from the car park at the top of the hill. The walking is along a grassy path across fields, down the steep bank which forms the front face of the hill and back up to the hill via south Eggerdon Farm & North Eggerdon Farm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Powerstock a great destination for family-friendly hiking?
Powerstock offers a diverse landscape of rolling greensand and limestone hills, ancient woodlands, and intimate river valleys, providing a variety of hiking experiences suitable for families. The area is rich in biodiversity and features picturesque settings, making it an engaging place for all ages to explore.
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Powerstock?
Our guide features 14 family-friendly hiking trails around Powerstock. These routes range in difficulty, ensuring there's something for every family, from leisurely strolls to more adventurous hikes.
Are there any easy routes suitable for families with young children or beginners?
Yes, there are 3 easy routes in our selection, perfect for families with younger children or those new to hiking. These trails offer gentle terrain and shorter distances, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of Powerstock at a comfortable pace.
What kind of natural features and landmarks can we expect to see on these family hikes?
You'll encounter a variety of natural features, including ancient woodlands, open grasslands, and significant landmarks like Eggardon Hill, which offers expansive panoramic views. The area also features relics of a disused railway line and the rich biodiversity of Powerstock Common Nature Reserve. For stunning coastal views, consider visiting Golden Cap Summit or the dramatic West Bay Cliffs nearby.
Are there any circular routes recommended for families?
Many of the trails around Powerstock are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For a moderate circular option that includes stunning views, consider the Askerswell & Eggardon Hill loop from Powerstock, which covers about 14.7 km.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Powerstock?
Powerstock is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are particularly rewarding for families. In spring, woodlands are alive with birdsong, bluebells, and wild daffodils. Later in the year, you can spot butterflies, dragonflies, and various fruits and fungi. The varied terrain and woodlands offer shade in summer and shelter in cooler months.
Can we spot any wildlife on the family-friendly trails?
Absolutely! Powerstock Common Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife, home to rare species like hazel dormice, lesser horseshoe bats, adders, and newts. Depending on the season, you might also see deer, boar, and wild ponies, making for exciting discoveries for children.
Are the family-friendly trails around Powerstock suitable for dogs?
Many trails in Powerstock are dog-friendly, allowing your furry family members to join the adventure. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves like Powerstock Common, to protect wildlife and livestock.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Powerstock?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Powerstock, with an average score of 4.55 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the panoramic views from hilltops like Eggardon Hill, and the tranquil, undeveloped character of the area, making it ideal for a peaceful family outing.
Are there any specific routes that offer great viewpoints for families?
Yes, routes that ascend Eggardon Hill are particularly rewarding for their views. For example, the Eggardon Hill West Loop offers excellent vistas across the West Dorset countryside, providing memorable photo opportunities for the whole family.
Are there any routes that pass by historical sites or charming villages?
The area retains strong medieval patterns of land use, with charming villages built of golden limestone and thatch. The village of Powerstock itself holds historical interest, including the Norman-era St Mary the Virgin church. Routes like the View of Eggardon Hill – Church of St Mary, Powerstock loop will take you past such points of interest.
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