Hiking the rural countryside of Dorset is like stepping back in time. It’s a landscape made famous by Victorian poet and novelist Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), who perfectly captured the timeless feel of this rural county in his famous books. But it’s also so much more.
As you wander the paths and trails of Dorset, it’s easy to see and feel how little has changed since Hardy’s time: rolling green hills of chalk grasslands, sweeping 360° views with not a single road or electricity pylon in sight. Imagine walking through shady, intimate river valleys with tiny villages, little changed since they were first recorded in the Domesday book. Norman and Saxon churches, romantic ruined castles and thatched cottages. It’s quintessential ‘Old England’ at its best.
David and I have always felt that Dorset offers the ultimate escape from the noise of day-to-day life. A chance to step well and truly off the beaten track and immerse yourself in nature. When we first started exploring this area nearly 30 years ago, we immediately felt its beauty and tranquility. It’s something that we and our guests still feel today. It’s why this of the South West remains as close to our hearts now as it was all those years ago.
Alison
If you’d like to find out more about this tranquil corner of England far from the tourist hotspots (and the madding crowd), we’d love to tell you more. Simply visit our trip page or send us an email.
