Thomas Hardy's Dorset

Thomas Hardy's Dorset Independent (self-guided) inn to inn walking

“We like being immersed in nature and local culture. This trip did all that for us.�

Shirley & Gary, USA

Welcome & Trail Story

by Alison Howell Hello, Thank you for considering Foot Trails. We are one of England's best loved regional walking travel companies.

As part of this community we have walked here for 25 years. We loved creating this trail for you because the beauty of north Dorset’s landscapes is timeless.

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 O'bscure.

Every Foot Trail is custom made and crafted so this means you can have flexible daily walking distances, rest days, sightseeing days and more besides. Our Trip Planners will advise you.

Warm regards, Alison Howell.

Founder & CEO

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About Thomas Hardy's Dorset Thomas Hardy's Dorset is an inn to inn style walking trail, staying for two nights at up to three different locations.

North Dorset seems timeless. Much looks the way it did when the area captivated Thomas Hardy and inspired him to write about the area in his books.

Explore Dorset's Blackmore Vale where Tess spent her younger years including Marnhull (Marlott) where Tess grew up. And then onto Shaftesbury (Shaston for those that know the book) on the chalk and into the domain of the landed estates.

We've picked trails and paths that are both off the beaten track and which afford a great variety, from small meadows, pastures and Contents hedgerows of the Vale to great Pick of the highlights p6 rolling views of the countryside.

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Where?

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Sample daily itinerary

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Where you stay

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Prices & booking

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Highlights include * Tread the literary footsteps of Thomas Hardy, places which inspired him and his characters, Tess D'Urbervilles and Jude Obscure * Explore down 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.

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Where?

Dorset sits on the coast of South West England and is bordered by Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

How to get here? “Thomas Hardy's Dorset� begins near Gillingham, Dorset.

The nearest train station for arrivals is Gillingham, Dorset. Travel is approximately 105 minutes by train from London Waterloo or a 2 hour drive from London by car.

From further afield the nearest airports can be found at Bristol, Southampton and London Heathrow. Airport cars often make the most convenient transfer and we can arrange this for you.

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Sample daily itinerary...

Day 1 – Arrive and Relax Arrive to your first country inn near for the start of your Foot Trail journey. You might wish to relax here or step out with your boots for a wander. We'll include a short trail for you to get to know & explore Shaftesbury.

Saxon in origins, from the town the views across and over the Cranborne Chase are simply astounding, some of the best in Dorset. Together with the old abbey ruins, the much famed Gold Hill with its cobbled street and cottages this short trail provides plenty to enjoy.

Day 2 - By the river The trail starts at the gorgeous town mill in the town of Sturminster Newton, along the river as you enjoy a walk through this classic Thomas Hardy country, even passing one of Hardy's own houses. Pause at 'The Pure Drop Inn' (Hardy reference!) and then wander on through idyllic Dorset countryside, tumbling weirs and ancient mills complete the scene. Return car to your inn is included.

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Day 3 - A poet's inspiration This walk gives you a good flavour of the beautiful Dorset landscapes and scenes that inspired English author Thomas Hardy to write. From the top (optional) the views become 360 degrees, you will feel like you are on top of the world, no other point of land you see will be higher than you, pick out villages, a derelict church, hamlets and Dorset's curvaceous landscapes. You will arrive to your next inn on foot, time to check in and enjoy the change of scene.

Day 4 - Out on the Chase!

The chalk downs themselves are a great place to spot wild flowers and butterflies.

High on the chase, a former hunting ground of King John, and once notorious for smugglers and poachers. You can enjoy the far reaching views to take your breath away, extending all the way to the horizon.

Day 5 - Dorset Cottages This the highest part of the chase and from here you will have sweeping views right through Dorset, on a clear day you can make out the Isle of Wight. It’s the cottages that make this trail, typical of the area, flint, red brick, thatch and some plaster fronted. Ancient churches, babbling chalk streams, tales of smugglers, vampires and strange occurrences!

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“Just to let you how much we enjoyed our foot trail. The amount of thought you put into the choices of walks, routes, and accommodation is obvious, and all of the people who worked at the inns where we stayed had great things to say about you.�

Rob and Helen, Australia

Day 6 - Circling Dorset This is a great little ramble for exploring so much, pretty little villages, grand estates of Lords, before arriving to Knowlton with its ancient rings and ruined church. It's an evocative site, the church desolate and standing alone in the landscape. The circles were built 3000 years ago in the Bronze-Age, a pagan temple, you can still sense that energy when you are here. Then there's the legends to discover too! You will arrive to your next inn on foot, time to check in and enjoy the change of scene.

Day 7 - Kings & Hunts!

Enjoy your breakfast then you can set out from the doors of the inn for today's adventure. This is the place that gives the chase it's name, Cranborne. Explore the medieval side of the chase. Then pause at a sacred hill before descending back into the stream valleys and villages. One village was a place Thomas Hardy spent much time and the inspiration 'Trantridge', the home of the D'Urberville's There's a remote and 'out there' feel to your walk today.

Walk / Hike Lengths?

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Our approach to walks is very much about enjoyment. When we put together the trails we plan them with a day out in mind, so 2 to 3 hours walk in the morning, a nice place to pause for lunch such as a pub or cafe and then a couple of hours walk in the afternoon. We have a choice of trail lengths which your Trip Planner can help plan. Typically 7 to 9 miles per day (12 to 15 km) or 10 to 12 miles (16 to 19 km) per day (or mixed!).

Where you stay It's natural to wonder where you will stay. One of the reasons guests choose Foot Trails is for our choice and quality of accommodation.

The country inns and country pubs where you stay are small, personal and friendly with excellent hospitality. Every one is in an English village with comfortable bedrooms and delicious local food and drinks to enjoy with dinner after your walk.

Alison Howell chooses each one personally. Centuries old, each building provides a relaxing and authentic setting in which you can kick off your boots and eat dinner at the end of an inspiring day on the trail.

On Thomas Hardy's Dorset inn to inn trail you will enjoy a different country inn every two days. Giving you the opportunity to explore deeply before moving on.

You can enjoy a timber frame building which has been an inn since Medieval times, an 18th century country pub in a village with flagstone floors, and a 16th century inn with local food, largely sourced from within a 30 mile radius.

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What's included and prices This trail is available any nights (subject to availability) from 4 nights to 8 nights, from March to November.

Prices: Each trip is custom-made and individually priced. As a budgeting guide prices start from £640 per person (based on two sharing) for 4 nights and from £1150 per person (based on two sharing) for 7 nights.

You will receive a personally created itinerary and price quote guaranteed not to change.

Included in your tour: • Independent (self guided) walking days custom-made to match you and the season • Tailored Walk and Explore Box • Local Ordnance Survey™ maps (waterproof) • Trail guide cards (waterproof) one for each day with easy to follow instructions) • Local stories and histories • Recommended lunchtime stops at country pubs and cafes • Nature cards for identifying wild flowers, trees and animals • Seasonal nature guide book • Sweets (for a boost en route) • Your en-suite accommodation in a classic en-suite bedroom (superior upgrades available) • Breakfasts • One bottle of wine • Transport drop off services as required by your itinerary • Luggage transfers between your country inns • Services of your own dedicated expert Trip Planner to create and organise your trip plus dedicated help and support before arrival with Foot Trails team.

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Words from our guests Scenery was outstanding, logistics were well handled, food was delicious. it was the perfect vacation. Outside all day, active, and I loved that we could walk all day and never see another soul. I'm already starting to think about our next Foot Trails adventure!

Jean, USA The four days of walking were terrific. We didn't quite know what to expect but the information package provided was detailed and comprehensive. The walks were well planned, varied, stimulating, and enjoyable. We both decided that every vacation must include a walking trip.

Barbara & Barbara, USA Excellent - enjoyable, challenging, relaxing all in one. A wonderful walking experience (our first time doing a walk in England without a guide, beautiful views, just the right level of challenge walking in picturesque fields, lanes and villages). Foot Trail's organization of the trip made it a perfect holiday for us.

Jennifer & Benardo, USA

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Why a Foot Trail?

A Foot Trail avoids the formulaic nature, crowds and predictability of mass tourism and focuses instead purely on the quality of your experience.

Take a Foot Trail and you will explore deep beneath the surface.

You will walk and hike in real and authentic places. Enjoy real, not manufactured tourism moments. Shared conversations with a local person, the stillness of time spent in beautiful landscapes and the joy of encountering stories and moments from England's past.

Three words describe a Foot Trail perfectly.

Simple - Crafted – Authentic The press say:

"One of the 7 Adventure Vacations you need to take in your lifetime."

JetSetter.com, 2019 Foot Trails are one of England's best loved regional walking travel companies. We work within our local community, crafting walking experiences from scratch, aiming for a positive outcome for us all.

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To book – Get in touch Call +44 (0) 1747 820 626 with your chosen date, we will then confirm your place for you upon which a 35% deposit will be payable. Full balances due 8 weeks before arrival. PayPal & all major credit & debit cards accepted.  +44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)  enquire@FootTrails.co.uk

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