AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
On Foot Holidays

Dorset Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Dorset

Overall Holiday Rating
99%
Excellent 36
Good 2
Average 0
Poor 0
Terrible 0
Reviews Submitted: 38
Reviews Accepted: 38
Reviews Rejected: 0
38 reviews
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Dorset by Old oaks, 4 Feb 2016
Holiday Rating:

A brilliant route through highly diverse landscapes rich in architectural, , agricultural, natural and historical features, well within the capabilitiesof a retired couple, with excellent guide notes written from the walker's line of sight, and maps,

For various reasons we took the risk of walking in late January. Despite a few rainy days and a great deal of mud we had a wonderful time. Various challenges such as rivers that had burst their banks, 'winter bournes' springing out of the hillside, and meadows churned up by the hooves of cattle and sheep, we were endlessly diverted by the ancient churches, manor houses and grand estates, picturesque villages, sweeping views and varied landscapes, ...

For various reasons we took the risk of walking in late January. Despite a few rainy days and a great deal of mud we had a wonderful time. Various challenges such as rivers that had burst their banks, 'winter bournes' springing out of the hillside, and meadows churned up by the hooves of cattle and sheep, we were endlessly diverted by the ancient churches, manor houses and grand estates, picturesque villages, sweeping views and varied landscapes, contrasting farming styles, old woodlands - and the very first primroses and daffodils. Although we are 78yr and 67yr old we found the route up and down the rounded hills and valleys easily manageable (with walking sticks), while the excellent notes and maps enabled us to relax and enjoy every step of the experience. The deep peace and quiet of places you would never otherwise reach, tucked away among folds of the hills, was a revelation. The choice of overnight accomodation in old inns, pubs and hotels added to our pleasure. We received a warm welcome everywhere, with provision for drying out boots and outer gear, ample homemade food, selections of local beers and ciders, and choice wine lists. The background information on points of interest whet the appetite without being over-whelming.

Rating for tour operator:

This is the second time we've booked a holiday through this company (previously walking along the Rhine valley with Australian friends). We highly appreciate the fact that the walking notes are written from the line of sight of the walker and this makes for great ease of reading the route. The notes are presented in short paragraphs, with indicative timings, and this format is a considerable aid to timing one's own progress. The maps provide good back-up information. The fact that someone from the organisation walks the route and uses the accomodation before the main season starts means that the notes are up to date and accurate, the taxi arrangements can be relied on, and that the personnel at the overnight accomodation are ready to welcome warmly even the arrival of wet and muddy walkers. Before we left we found the contact with the operator to be thoroughly professional yet friendly, and the info pack well presented with sufficient but not over-whelming information. We enjoyed meeting one of their staff personally (since their office is in Salisbury where our walk began); and we appreciate that they genuinely welcome the feedback we provided on completion of our walk. We also appreciate the care that is taken to provide alternative routes for some of the stages, and the taxi arrangements that - given the short January days - allowed us to adjust the start point for the longer stages.

Dorset by Floranotmarg, 5 Oct 2014
Holiday Rating:

South West England; independent walking holiday

This is an absolute gem of a walking holiday through the Dorset countryside, staying at small inns along the way, all organized by OnFoot. They plan the route, give very detailed instructions with points of interest along the way, and move our luggage from point to point each day. This was our fourth walking holiday with OnFoot and they're fantastic, taking us off the beaten track into parts of countries we'd never ordinarily discover and sending ...

This is an absolute gem of a walking holiday through the Dorset countryside, staying at small inns along the way, all organized by OnFoot. They plan the route, give very detailed instructions with points of interest along the way, and move our luggage from point to point each day. This was our fourth walking holiday with OnFoot and they're fantastic, taking us off the beaten track into parts of countries we'd never ordinarily discover and sending us to lovely inns each night. We plan another walk with them in Italy next May.

Rating for tour operator:

We have complete confidence in OnFoot, having done four of their walks so far. Extremely reliable, always engaging, prompt response to any questions. Good value for the money. They do a great job.

Dorset by From Salisbury to Lyme Regis, 18 Jun 2014
Holiday Rating:

South West England

This was a seven day walking tour on Dorset, built of public footpaths and right of ways between Salisbury and Lyme Regis. Several small villages, a castle, a 14th c. church, a manor house garden, and of course the splendors of the Wessex Ridgeway and the Golden Cap were integrated into the walk.

This was a seven day walking tour on Dorset, built of public footpaths and right of ways between Salisbury and Lyme Regis. Several small villages, a castle, a 14th c. church, a manor house garden, and of course the splendors of the Wessex Ridgeway and the Golden Cap were integrated into the walk.

Rating for tour operator:

On Foot Holidays were responsive and thorough in preparing me for the holiday and provided lots of additional services, recommendations, and resources as part of the booking.

Dorset by Australian walker, 8 Nov 2013
Holiday Rating:

Wonderful walk through Dorset - in the steps of Thomas Hardy

My holiday was a walk from Salisbury to Lyme Regis in England. The 7 days included some beautiful villages, farming country and coastline. The walk was well planned and excellent information was provided by On Foot Holidays on the countryside, including the geography and literary associations (e.g. Thomas Hardy's novels). The walk was rated as medium difficulty, which was correct so met my expectations. Each day I walked from about 18 to 25 ...

My holiday was a walk from Salisbury to Lyme Regis in England. The 7 days included some beautiful villages, farming country and coastline. The walk was well planned and excellent information was provided by On Foot Holidays on the countryside, including the geography and literary associations (e.g. Thomas Hardy's novels). The walk was rated as medium difficulty, which was correct so met my expectations. Each day I walked from about 18 to 25 kilometres. The final day was along the Jurassic Coast, which was magnificent. The destination, Lyme Regis, was a fascinating town and well worth spending an extra day there, which I did.

Rating for tour operator:

On Foot Holidays staff were brilliant - very professional and communicative. The booking process was easy. The material to prepare for the walk was sufficiently detailed, arrived very promptly and they were very helpful at all stages. The accommodation booked was extremely comfortable and my luggage always arrived at the destination hotel. This was the second walk I have done with On Foot Holidays, the other being in Tuscany in 2012, and I plan to do more.

Dorset by Australian walker, 8 Nov 2013
Holiday Rating:

Wonderful walk through Dorset - in the steps of Thomas Hardy

My holiday was a walk from Salisbury to Lyme Regis in England. The 7 days included some beautiful villages, farming country and coastline. The walk was well planned and excellent information was provided by On Foot Holidays on the countryside, including the geography and literary associations (e.g. Thomas Hardy's novels). The walk was rated as medium difficulty, which was correct so met my expectations. Each day I walked from about 18 to 25 ...

My holiday was a walk from Salisbury to Lyme Regis in England. The 7 days included some beautiful villages, farming country and coastline. The walk was well planned and excellent information was provided by On Foot Holidays on the countryside, including the geography and literary associations (e.g. Thomas Hardy's novels). The walk was rated as medium difficulty, which was correct so met my expectations. Each day I walked from about 18 to 25 kilometres. The final day was along the Jurassic Coast, which was magnificent. The destination, Lyme Regis, was a fascinating town and well worth spending an extra day there, which I did.

Rating for tour operator:

On Foot Holidays staff were brilliant - very professional and communicative. The booking process was easy. The material to prepare for the walk was sufficiently detailed, arrived very promptly and they were very helpful at all stages. The accommodation booked was extremely comfortable and my luggage always arrived at the destination hotel. This was the second walk I have done with On Foot Holidays, the other being in Tuscany in 2012, and I plan to do more.

Dorset by Stella, 7 Nov 2013
Holiday Rating:

A wonderful walk in beautiful country with everything logistical completely taken care of for us.

We spent 6 days walking from Salisbury to Lyme Regis through gorgeous countryside. We tramped carefree while our luggage was transported between boutique B&B accomodation spots all organised by On Foot. We were so relaxed and liberated by the feeling of freedom from holiday logistics responsibility - we were left free to just set out, follow the paths and keep on walking!

We spent 6 days walking from Salisbury to Lyme Regis through gorgeous countryside. We tramped carefree while our luggage was transported between boutique B&B accomodation spots all organised by On Foot. We were so relaxed and liberated by the feeling of freedom from holiday logistics responsibility - we were left free to just set out, follow the paths and keep on walking!

Rating for tour operator:

We exchanged many friendly emails with the On Foot team in the months leading up to our holiday, and were delighted to meet Simon and Mary in person on arrival! They were always proactive, organised, helpful and friendly, even taking our calls while we were out on our trip when we needed guidance! We really appreciated how personal and genuine was all contact with the company members.

Dorset by Al, 6 Nov 2013
Holiday Rating:

Dorset walking holiday

Self-guided walking from Tisbury to Lyme Regis, plus a couple of nights in Salisbury at the beginning. A gorgeous route!

Self-guided walking from Tisbury to Lyme Regis, plus a couple of nights in Salisbury at the beginning. A gorgeous route!

Rating for tour operator:

On Foot Holidays, based in Salisbury--specializing in self-guided walking packages in Europe and UK, where one's luggage is moved by taxi from one B&B or pub to the next, and the traveller walks the route with detailed notes and maps. I like this operator because their routes are carefully chosen and extremely well-researched--you can be confident it won't be a dud.

Dorset by Willie, 5 Nov 2013
Holiday Rating:

Dorset - The Thomas Hardy Trail

We spent a week walking through Dorset from Salisbury to Lyme Regis following in the foot steps of Thomas Hardy. On Foot Holidays arranged the route and pre booked our accommodations. They met with us the first night and provided us with maps, written directions, a compass and a cell phone. The accommodations they arranged were excellent Bed and Breakfasts or small Inns. All in all it was a superb holiday.

We spent a week walking through Dorset from Salisbury to Lyme Regis following in the foot steps of Thomas Hardy. On Foot Holidays arranged the route and pre booked our accommodations. They met with us the first night and provided us with maps, written directions, a compass and a cell phone. The accommodations they arranged were excellent Bed and Breakfasts or small Inns. All in all it was a superb holiday.

Rating for tour operator:

On Foot Holidays provided us with the tools to walk on our own, not with a group. On Foot Holidays arranged the route and pre booked our accommodations. They met with us the first night and provided us with maps, written directions, a compass and a cell phone. The accommodations they arranged were excellent Bed and Breakfasts or small Inns. All in all it was a superb holiday.