From Thomas Hardy’s village of Marlott, wander the old tracks once trodden by Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Pass her childhood cottage and drift into open fields, past a weathered stone quarry and an avenue of trees near the site of a Roman temple. Follow the sunken path of Leigh Lane as it drops into the valley of the River Stour, where the ruins of Cutt Mill crumble beside the water. Trace the river upstream to the lovingly restored Kings Mill and the vital 19th-century stone bridge that spans the flow. Climb back up the valley to return to Marnhull, weaving between tranquil ponds and handsome listed buildings.
Distance: 5.5miles/8km
Time: 2-3hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 302ft
Min height: 156ft
Total climb: 388ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: New Street. (Postcode: DT10 1PY, Grid Reference: ST778185, What Three Words: euphoric.polite.dart).
Map: OS Explorer 129 Yeovil and Sherborne
How to get there: From Sturminster Newton, head north on the B3092 for approximately 3 miles. Once in the village, turn left at the church onto New Street to find appropriate parking on both sides of the road.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby is The Crown (Also known as Thomas Hardy’s Pure Drop Inn) and The Blackmore Vale Inn (known as Rollivers)
Neighbouring Walks: Marnhull, East Stour, Stour Row, Hinton St Mary, The Swan in Sturminster Newton, Thornhill and Stalbridge.
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.