The stunning scenery of North Dorset
Thomas’s Hardy’s Dorset is a 6 night inn to inn style walking trip – a linear (one-way!) trail that leads from one country inn to country inn. You’ll spend two nights at each, for a more relaxing experience that avoids the need to pack and re-pack several times a day.
We loved creating this trail for you. Our idea was a simple. A trail enabling you to walk in places that both inspired author Thomas Hardy and were visited by some of his literary characters including Tess D’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure.
You will enjoy some wonderful variety, from the small meadows, pastures and hedgerows of the Vale to great rolling views of the countryside. There are rivers and mills, sweeping chalk downs, high up, with big views to enjoy. And charming unspoiled villages to wander in and local churches to explore. Then there’s all the stories along the way, bringing a little of Hardy’s writngs to life.
Trail highlights include:
* Tread the literary footsteps of Thomas Hardy, places which inspired him and his characters, Tess D’Urbervilles and Jude Obscure
* Explore along by the River Stour, listen to the gushing sounds of the weir next to a working flour mill.
* Walk past Thomas Hardy’s Dorset house (he wrote poetry here).
* Enjoy opportunities to see a rich wildlife including kingfishers, herons, deer, rare wild flowers, orchids and butterflies in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
* See beautiful flint, red brick and thatched cottages.
* Enjoy lunch at a farm shop with delicious local produce. Yum!
* Discover tales of local smugglers.
* Soak up gorgeous countryside views over rural North Dorset.
To request a detailed 20 page mini brochure with example itinerary for this trip or ask questions – please use the form to your right >>