Walks from Dorchester

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.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

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).

Prehistoric downland, South Winterbourne Valley, heathery hilltops, barrow-studded ridgeway and sweeping views to Jurassic Coast.

Hardy Monument (National Trust)

Time: 7h30 (6h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).

Recommended: The huge view of Weymouth Bay and over to Portland opens up suddenly and exhilaratingly from the top of the South Dorset Ridgeway; the views are spectacular. Undulating but easy walking, mostly on tracks across intensively farmed arable hills and with a roady margin leaving Dorchester. Climbs to the South Dorset Ridgeway before dropping through a holiday park to the coast and a long promenade walk. Follows the Hardy Way and the Jubilee Trail. Passes a reedy bird reserve behind the coast path. Trains roughly two-hourly. Worth a diversion to view the Osmington White Horse.

Hardy's House, Max Gate (National Trust)

Time: 5h30 (4h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Lunch: A couple of pubs on the way, and plenty of chip shops on the Weymouth seafront.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A solid, easy and direct walk following the Frome Valley cycle path, tarmac or gravel all the way and so good in winter with no mud. Almost flat from Maiden Newton with a few climbs and descents approaching Dorchester; mostly along quiet lanes and a bridleway. Mainly follows the Frome Valley Cycle Trail. A detour through access land near Dorchester takes in Poundbury Hill Fort.

Time: 5h (3h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Prehistoric downland, Valley of Stones boulder train, stone circles, barrows, Bride Valley and heathery hilltops.

Time: 11h30 (9h walking, 1h30 lunch, 1h break)

Source: A longer variant of Dorchester Circular or to Portesham (Saturday Walkers Club).

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 (Saturday Walkers Club).