Get out and about around Dorchester for National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month, with Walk to Work week this week (9-13 May) and Walk to School Week next week (16-20 May).

Where it is practical, Living Streets is urging people across the UK to leave their cars at home and take to the streets with this May.

But Dorset is a great place for walks any time of year, with all sorts of places to visit.

Kingston Maurward, on the outskirts of the town, is a lovely place to take the family for pretty and safe walks. You can sign up for a season ticket to really make the most of this wonderful spot.

More locally, Dorchester town crier Alistair Chisholm is an experienced tour guide who can take you on some fabulous walks – including ghost walks – of the county town.

The National Trust have some great places to get out and about, including Dorchester’s very own Maiden Castle which is a great place to take the children and play ancient Romans.

There are 3,000 miles of public rights of way in the county - to find out more go to the Dorsetforyou.com website. Another good source of walk routes is the Dorset AONB site, where you can pick up tips on walks and cycles throughout the county.

Dorchester also has regular short guided health walks, courtesy of the Dorchester Strollers. These take place every week throughout Dorset to help keep you fit and healthy. These free walks offer a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and meet new people.

Now, you don't necessarily need to be kitted out for these walks, it depends how far you go and the type of terrain you're going over. The main thing is to get good walking shoes or boots and wear layers. Locally, the best places for outdoor gear are Scats Country Stores, Sportarm, Blacks, Great Western Camping and Millets.

So with May being designated National Walking Month, there's not better time than now to get on your walking boots and head for a hike.