Thomas Hardy’s Dorset

The South West, and in particular Dorset, were important ‘characters’ in 19th century writer Thomas Hardy’s books and poems. Hardy was a keen walker himself and used many of the villages & towns he explored for inspiration.

This trail leads you through the landscape he vividly wrote about in Tess of the d’Urbervilles, From the humble ‘vale of the little dairies’ with its lush green meadows and villages, to ‘the slopes’ and the gentry classes with their fine houses. Enjoy views, thatched cottages and Hardy’s inspiration.

A traditional thatched cottage and outbuildings next to a lake. A small lane passes in front of the cottage with trees and hedges to the right and left of the buildings.
Amy & Adam, USA
“The countryside was beautiful and we were happy to experience truly off-the-beaten-path places.”
Peter, Canada
“We had a fantastic time. The hiking brought us to a variety of interesting places with amazing views that mixed cultural experience, history, community with Nature, and the slow joy of simply walking.”
Joan, USA
“Wonderful hiking in the peace and tranquility of the Cotswolds. The views were stunning. Great way for us to reset and get back to nature.”
Linda, USA
“Absolutely perfect! Relaxing, rejuvenating and entertaining-it was one of the best vacations we’ve ever had. We loved the walks that took us places we would have never gone on our own.”
Catherine, USA
“The Cotswolds Walking Tour was delightful. I was so impressed by the organization of all the materials to guide us on our daily walks.”
Sigrun, Norway
“I’ve tried three different companies for my walking trips in England, and I have to say, Foot Trails truly stands out.”
Andy & Kay, USA
“The views in Dorset were everything we hoped they would be. We would recommend your services to anyone who wanted an active vacation but still wanted someone to arrange everything.”
Molly, USA
“So many of the paths felt like secret passageways into a simpler time. The variety of landscapes we passed through was nothing short of amazing.”
Jacquelyn, USA
“Slam dunk! Home run…out of the park…FABULOUS! This holiday went well beyond our expectations–it was so well organized from start to finish.”
Stacey, USA
“The entire trip was filled with delightful inns, charming towns, and incredible scenery. We enjoyed exploring the churches and other suggested stops along the way.”
Michelle, USA
“Wonderful holiday of rambling through gates, stiles, paths, and magnificent countryside, and beautiful old quaint villages.”
Ann & Mark, USA
“This was our third Foot Trails adventure. We keep returning because it is a great experience. It’s great to walk on the foot paths, experience the different villages and talk to the local people.”
Beth, USA
“It was a perfect walking holiday for a family of 4… tailored to our desires. It was great. Very informative communication. Adopted the plan to our family. The inns were lovely.”
Stu, USA
“An active and relaxing and supported immersive experience of a way of life different from our own. Unpredictable, in a good way. Unusual opportunity to connect with each other.”
Katy, Australia
“We had a wonderful experience in Wiltshire and on the foot trails walk that was especially designed for us. We also had a great experience with our guide David who had a wealth of historical knowledge.”
Krista, Canada
“It was very clear to us that the routes organized by Foot Trails were significantly more interesting (and significantly less busy) than the “national” trails,.”
Devrey, USA
"Perfect way to disconnect and see the beauty of England. We saw views, locations, and areas that only locals know.”
Stephen, Canada
“This family owned company went above and beyond to make our entire trip so worthwhile. We handed them a wish list of exactly what we wanted.”
Julie, USA
“The inns chosen by Foot Trails are charming, well-appointed and very comfortable. The food at each inn was without exception superb, and the staff were friendly and helpful.”
Mark, USA
“Clear written directions matched with maps for our daily walks, efficient transport of our luggage from inn to inn, excellent overnight accommodation and quality food selections in quintessential English pubs.”
Melanie, Canada
“It was fantastic. Foot Trails is a quality, well-organized, and highly customer-oriented service. I felt taken care of long before I even arrived in the UK!”

Example Itinerary

Here’s a quick flavour of the hiking tour. For a fully detailed guide to the Thomas Hardy’s Dorset trail fill out the form below and we’ll email one over to you.

Thomas Hardy’s Dorset


A self-guided independent inn to inn walking tour. 4 or 5 night tour options available. Choose your preferred arrival day & date.

Day 1
Time to settle in at your country inn with an optional short walk if you’d like to explore.

Day 2
Wildflower filled grasslands and sweeping views, this was once King John’s favoured hunting ground. Enjoy 360′ views and peaceful hidden valleys.

Day 3
These downs (hills!) were purchased by the National Trust to commemorate Hardy and his association with Wessex. Views over the ‘vale of the little dairies’. In the evening soak up Shaftesbury, or Shaston as it is in the novel.

Day 4
Down by the river, enjoy mills, thatched cottages and watery scenes. Pause in the market town before exploring the working water mill. Pass one of Hardy’s houses too.

Day 5
Archaeological delights, iron-age & Roman forts, barrows & nature reserves. Finishing at a character local inn. Perfect place to spend a last night in the country.

Day 6
Time for your onward journey, taking memories of your adventures with you.

– –

Accommodation:
Read about our food and accommodation here.

– – 

Itinerary additions:

  • Arriving straight to your walking tour from a long-haul flight can leave you feeling a little tired. Many of our guests choose to add an additional night at the start of their trip to adjust before they start walking.
  • Add a unique guided day at Stonehenge & Avebury with one of the Foot Trails team.

At a glance

  • Inn to inn hiking tour
  • 4 or 5 night stays suggested
  • Stay in quality country inns
  • Luggage transfers included
  • Screen-free walk & explore pack

Walks
7 to 9 mile walk program, or 10+ miles walk program (11 to 15 km or 16+ km).

Prices
You will receive a bespoke itinerary & personalised price quotation. Tours are typically between £230 – £280 per person, per night, based on 2 sharing a bedroom. Solo’s & groups welcome.

Find out more?

Request a full guide for this tour with detailed daily descriptions and tour options. Simply add your details below and we’ll send one directly to your inbox.

Our food & Accommodation

The country inns, pubs and hotels of South West England are the perfect partner to your days in the countryside. Each of our trails leads to a warm welcome, a good meal, and a room where you’ll feel at home.

About our food & accommodation →

Self-guided hiking

Foot Trails’ Self-guided hiking & walking trips offer the perfect balance of achievement, curiosity and relaxation. They’re for individuals, couples, families & friends who enjoy exploring on their own terms.

About Self-guided walking →