The Dorset Holiday Specialists
One Centre Walking Holidays
Thomas Hardy's Dorset
A series of easy, fairly short walks exploring the Dorset of Thomas Hardy, from his birthplace at Higher Bockhampton to his heart's final resting place at Stinsford and taking in some of the places which inspired his works.
No. of days/nights:
5/4
4 - 7 miles
Daily distance:
Grade:
Easy
Prices from:
£875
Availability:
Apr - Oct
Meals included:
Breakfast
Starting price is based on two people sharing and includes accommodation at a comfortable inn, breakfast, picnic lunch and drop-off and collection from your walk. We can also arrange transfers from airports and stations if required.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE - Arrive at your accommodation and take in some Hardy history if time allows.
DAY TWO - Start the day with a visit to Thomas Hardy's birthplace before taking a four mile stroll across the heath which he would have known so well and ending at Stinsford where his heart lies buried alongside his two wives and his parents.
DAY THREE - An interesting walk around the setting for The Woodlanders, this day starts high on Batcombe Hill where legends abound around The Cross and Hand, then taking in Melbury Osmond (setting for The Woodlanders and where Hardy's mother was born) before passing by magnificent Melbury House and through its estate to the village of Evershot with its welcoming pub.
DAY FOUR - A stroll around Hardy's Vale of Little Dairies, aka The Blackmore Vale, exploring the area where Tess of the D'Urbevilles was born and where Thomas Hardy wrote The Return of The Native.
DAY FIVE - Visit the home which Hardy built for himself just outside Dorchester and perhaps visit the Dorset Museum to view the contents of his study which he bequeathed to it before lunch and heading off home.
