The Three Faces of Dorset Trails
The South: The Technical and Steep Jurassic Coast
The South: The Technical and Steep Jurassic Coast
The South: The Technical and Steep Jurassic Coast
"This is where the 'Dorset Vertical' lives. Running the limestone cliffs between Lulworth and Weymouth is a lesson in technical footwork. Expect steep, jagged climbs and rapid-fire descents that test your ankle stability and eccentric leg strength. It’s brutal, beautiful, and the ultimate training ground for ultra-runners."
The East: The Purbecks & Studland Sands
The South: The Technical and Steep Jurassic Coast
The South: The Technical and Steep Jurassic Coast
"For a faster, more 'flowy' experience, the Purbecks offer undulating ridgelines with views of Corfe Castle. The challenge here is the variety; you'll transition from springy turf to deep, energy-sapping sand around Studland. It’s the perfect place to work on your gear-shifting and sustained aerobic power."
The North: The Chalk Downs & Blackmore Vale
The West: Bridport, Portland & the Ridgeways
The West: Bridport, Portland & the Ridgeways
"Heading inland, the North Dorset Downs provide long, rolling climbs on ancient chalk tracks. These trails are less about technical 'scrambling' and more about maintaining a rhythm. Warning: the Blackmore Vale valleys turn into a thick, 'clay-trap' mud in winter—this is where we test your mental toughness and your choice of lugs!"
The West: Bridport, Portland & the Ridgeways
The West: Bridport, Portland & the Ridgeways
The West: Bridport, Portland & the Ridgeways
"West Dorset is where you find the true 'raw' character of the coast. Running the Isle of Portland is a must in high winds, while the Chesil Beach connection requires unique power to handle the shifting shingle. As you move inland towards Beaminster and the Abbotsbury Ridgeways, the terrain opens up into long, sweeping climbs through rolling farmlands. These are the miles that build your 'diesel engine'—sustained aerobic efforts with some of the most dramatic views of the West Bay cliffs"
About Your Coach: The Hardy Way Expert
Richard O'Connor - Founder Madmule Trail
'I don’t just coach on these trails; I’ve lived them—holding the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the 220-mile Hardy Way and successfully completing the world’s most iconic mountain races, including two 170km finishes at UTMB and the brutal 170km UTS Snowdonia. I’ve spent years proving that Dorset’s relentless vertical gain and technical coastal paths are the perfect training ground for the toughest ultra marathons on earth. My coaching brings this elite mountain experience to our local trails, helping you master the terrain—whether you're tackling your first 10k or your 100th mile.'