A short walk in Thomas Hardy's footsteps itinerary
Bere Regis - Tolpuddle - Athelhampton - Hardy's Cottage - Kingston Maurward - Stinsford - Max Gate
Overview
Thomas Hardy, the world-famous poet and novelist behind the novels Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure lived in Dorset, which was the inspiration for most of the locations in his novels. This tailor-made trail is perfect if you're a Hardy enthusiast or if you enjoy visiting stately homes and gardens.
Day 1: Bere Regis - Tolpuddle - Athelhampton House - Hardy's Cottage
Bere Regis - Tolpuddle: 4 miles (7 km)
Tolpuddle - Athelhampton House: 1 mile (2 km)
Athelhampton - Hardy’s Cottage: 9 miles (14 km)
Totals for Day: 14 miles (23 km)
Bere Regis
Start your walk in Bere Regis, which Hardy called Kingsbere in his novels. Visit the beautiful local church, with its amazing carved wooden roof. It's at this church that the tombs of the Turberville family are held. Hardy took the family's name and modified it when he wrote Tess of the D'Urbervilles.
Tolpuddle
From Bere Regis, walk along the heathland ridge that was part of Egdon Heath, where several of Hardy's characters (and Hardy himself) walked or rode. Tolpuddle is known as Tolchurch in Hardy's novels. Don't miss the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, where colourful hangings and touch-screen computers tell the story of the 6 martyrs who were transported to Australia in 1834.
Athelhampton House
Just over a mile from Tolpuddle, is Athelhampton House and Gardens, which are open to the public. The house is over 500 years old, and the gardens are one of the most visited in Dorset. Unusually, the historical ghost of Athelhampton is that of an ape, which was owned by one of the families living there.
Hardy's Cottage
After a short walk through Puddletown Forest, lies Hardy's Cottage, Hardy's first home, where he wrote 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. It's a simple but attractive brick and thatched cottage that attracts thousands of Hardy enthusiasts every year. The woodland around the cottage is beautiful and has become a popular nature trail.