Lucerne Lake & Melbury Osmond loop from Evershot — Dorset

Start your jog from Evershot on this moderate 5.3-mile (8.6 km) loop, which features 440 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 55 minutes to complete. You will wind through scenic Dorset countryside, passing by the tranquil Lucerne Lake where you can spot a late 19th-century thatched fishing lodge. The route continues through Melbury Park, offering glimpses of the impressive 16th-century Melbury House set within expansive parkland. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with rolling hills that add to the experience.

This jogging route is considered moderately challenging and requires good fitness. While the trail is generally accessible, some sections may require you to be sure-footed due to the undulating countryside and varied terrain. The loop starts and ends in Evershot, a charming village known for its fine old church and thatched cottages, providing a pleasant setting for your outing.

This loop is known as the most popular jogging route around Evershot, partly due to its strong connections to author Thomas Hardy. You will pass through areas that inspired his fictional Wessex, including Evershot itself (his 'Evershead') and the Acorn Inn, which appears in *Tess of the d'Urbervilles*. Melbury House also served as the basis for King's Hintock Court in three of his stories, adding a rich historical layer to your run.