Enter the thick woodland of Puddletown Forest to find the raised agger of an important Roman road cutting through the county. Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers across open heathland, with wide views over the Frome Valley and Thomas Hardy’s Vale of the Great Dairies. Discover the Rainbarrows, once gleaming white with chalk and rising like beacons in an ancient spiritual landscape. Continue along the Roman road as it slowly fades back into the surrounding environment, leaving its course for woodland scattered with deep swallet holes. Finally, follow winding tracks towards Hardy’s Birthplace, skimming the gardens and woodland he once roamed.
Distance: 3miles/5km
Time: 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 433ft
Min height: 220ft
Total climb: 402ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Thorncombe Wood – Payment required. (Postcode: DT2 8QH, Grid Reference: SY725921, What Three Words: stop.splints.cashier).
Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset
How to get there: Head straight out of Dorchester on the London Road and cross straight over Kingston Maurward Roundabout. Continue to follow the county lane to a crossroads and turn left. Take the next left hand turn, signposted for Hardy’s Cottage and curve to the right to find the National Trust Car Park.
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 Blue Vinny in Puddletown, The Wise Man Inn in West Stafford and a number of options in Dorchester.
Neighbouring Walks: Yellowham, Puddletown, Athelhampton, Pallington, Crossways, Max Gate and Stinsford.
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Puddletown Forest lovely place thank you for all the description and other areas