Fordington

Follow the flow of the Frome as it sweeps around the county town of Dorchester. Starting in the village of Fordington, cross over Grey’s Bridge, where Thomas Hardy placed a number of his melancholy characters. Walk along the banks of the water, passing remains of crossings and controls of the meadows. Wander through the hamlet of Cocker’s Frome, passed from parent to daughter, into the fields, farms, and earthworks of the wider landscape. After views from the peak, over Dorchester and across the hills to Hardy’s Monument, drop back down to the river, passing Frome Whitfield and the site of its lost church. Cross the water using the Victorian Blue Bridge and follow its flow past a haunted pond and a nature reserve. Return to Fordington on the edge of the old Roman walls, littered with a collection of Roman remains.

Distance: 4 miles/6.5km (cutting out the top fields is a smaller 2.5m/4km walk)

Time: 2 hours

Ability: Easy. Flood dependent, can get muddy.

Max height: 320ft

Min height: 183ft

Total climb: 151ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.

Start Point: Hardy Avenue, Fordington. (Postcode: DT1 1LN, Grid Reference: SY698906, What Three Words: crisper.kilt.desire).

Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset

How to get there: From the centre of Dorchester, head straight down High East Street and London Road to the junction at Grey’s Bridge. Turn right into Fordington and take the third turning on the right onto Mill Street. Parking is available either side of the road as your approach Hardy Avenue.

Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.

Refreshments: A number of options are in Dorchester including The Sun Inn which is just outside and skimmed by the walk

Toilets: Public toilets are available in the town of Dorchester.

Neighbouring Walks:  Stinsford, West Stafford, Bincombe, Maiden Castle, Poundbury, Charlton Down, Piddlehinton and Yellowham.