Walks from Dorchester South
MapBeautiful walks starting or ending at Dorchester South Station.
Alternatively, view walks you can reach directly from Dorchester South by train.
Dorchester South Circular via Hardy's Cottage
Thomas Hardy country east of Dorchester — his thatched birthplace cottage and the woodland and heathland of Thorncombe Wood.
Hardy's Cottage: The thatched cottage birthplace of writer Thomas Hardy, set within Thorncombe Wood nature reserve and cared for by the National Trust.
Thorncombe Wood: A mixed woodland nature reserve surrounding Hardy's Cottage with waymarked trails and heathland.
Lunch: The Under the Greenwood Tree cafe at the Hardy's Cottage visitor centre; pubs and cafes in Dorchester.
Warnings: Hardy's Cottage can only be visited on a guided tour; check National Trust opening arrangements before setting out.
Walk details: Visit Dorset (tips, photos and local insights).
Dorchester South Circular via Hardy Monument
Prehistoric downland, South Winterbourne Valley, heathery hilltops, barrow-studded ridgeway and sweeping views to Jurassic Coast.
Time: 6h
Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).
Dorchester South Circular via Valley of (Sarsen) Stones
Prehistoric downland, Valley of Stones boulder train, stone circles, barrows, Bride Valley and heathery hilltops.
Time: 9h
Source: A longer variant of Dorchester Circular or to Portesham – the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).
Maiden Newton to Dorchester South
Chalk downland, Cerne Valley, historic Dorchester city centre and two modest climbs with fine views.
Warnings: Hilly ascents.
Source: An alternative variant of Maiden Newton Circular or to Dorchester – the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).