The best MTB trails around Puddletown

If you're looking for a quintessentially relaxing Dorset scene, Moreton FordClick to open side panel for more information and its accompanying footbridge are about as idyllic as it gets. Located on the River Frome near the village of Moreton, this spot is a favorite for locals and visitors alike who want to enjoy the water without necessarily getting their feet wet. The footbridge itself is a long, narrow wooden structure that runs parallel to one of the longest fords in the south of England. It was built to allow pedestrians to cross safely when the river level is high or when vehicles are splashing through the shallow water. A Hub for "Splashy" Fun: The area around the bridge is a local hotspot for families. On a warm day, you'll see children paddling in the shallow, clear water, dogs leaping after sticks, and even horses being ridden through the ford. A Scenic Shortcut: The bridge serves as a key link for several famous walking routes, including the Lawrence of Arabia Trail and the Jubilee Trail. Crossing it leads you directly into the shaded, peaceful tracks of Moreton Plantation. The "Nature Watch" Spot: Because the bridge puts you right over the center of the river, it’s a perfect place to pause and look for minnows in the gravelly shallows or watch the elegant swans that frequently glide by. Photographer's Dream: With the thatched cottages of the village in the background and the light reflecting off the wide, shimmering expanse of the ford, it is widely considered one of the most "Instagrammable" spots in rural Dorset.

Bridleway section is quite close to stream and river, be prepared to stop dog walkers

Grassy section

If open go inside, also there a bench next to the river

Can be busy but really nice and gravelly track after the bridge. It is not deep but you can sort of take a dip.

* Historic Structure: The cottage itself was built in 1800 by Hardy's great-grandfather and has remained largely unaltered since the Hardy family left. It offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life, with its open hearths, small windows, and stone floors. While the furniture inside isn't original to the Hardy family, it is authentic to the period, helping to recreate the atmosphere of his upbringing. * National Trust Property: The cottage is now owned and managed by the National Trust, ensuring its preservation and public access. * Traditional Cottage Garden: The property features a typical cottage garden, complete with roses around the door, which would have been an early inspiration for the author.

* Hardy's Early Life and Works: Hardy lived in this cottage until he was 34 years old. It was here that he wrote some of his early and influential works, including the novels Under the Greenwood Tree (1872) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874), as well as early poetry and short stories. The surrounding landscape, including the adjacent Thorncombe Wood and the heathland (which inspired his fictional "Egdon Heath" in The Return of the Native), profoundly influenced his writing.

Thomas Hardy's Cottage is a significant literary landmark located in Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, England. It is a quaint, cob and thatch cottage, notable for being the birthplace of the celebrated author Thomas Hardy in 1840. Here's what makes it special: