Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Bockhampton Bridge loop from Stinsford

Hiking trails & Routes

Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Bockhampton Bridge loop from Stinsford

Moderate

5.0

(3)

hikers

Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Bockhampton Bridge loop from Stinsford

02:05

7.79km

90m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: November 5, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

15 m

Hardy's Cottage

Highlight • Cafe

If you are a Thomas Hardy enthusiast this is a must - the small cottage where he was born and grew up, writing his early novels. The garden is large …

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513 m

Thomas Hardy's Cottage

Highlight • Historical Site

Built in 1800, this stunning thatched cottage was the birthplace of the famous writer, Thomas Hardy. Built by his great-grandfather, Hardy lived here for over 30 years and wrote some …

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789 m

An important watering hole for wildlife and the resident Dartmoor ponies, Rushy Pond buzzes with dragonflies and damselflies, whilst the pond’s surface is often disturbed by a newt surfacing for air or a grass snake on the hunt.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage/things-to-see-and-do-at-hardys-cottage

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1.50 km

Viewpoint Over Puddletown Forest

Highlight • Viewpoint

At the edge of what can be ridden at puddletown. Lots of down options from here, down teep and narrow or wide and cruisey

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4.36 km

Bockhampton Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

lovely humped back bridge over the River Frome

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5.20 km

Riverside Path Near Lower Bockhampton Bridge

Highlight • Trail

Off road shared path from Lower Bockhampton bridge to Dorchester. Prone to flooding, particularly near Bockhampton bridge. Grey's bridge and Dorchester town centre is to the left, travelling from Bockhampton.

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7.63 km