Walking The Dorset of Thomas Hardy

This is the equivalent of a weekend break and can be adapted in a variety of ways according to accommodation availability. One night Dorchester, one night Cerne Abbas or Piddletrenthide; or two nights in any of the three; or one night in one and two nights in one of the other two; or any combination you like – let us know what you require and we will try to book accordingly. We will provide walking notes and map, accommodation with breakfast, and luggage transfers and transfers where appropriate.

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Itinerary

INCLUDED

2 nights – 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in hotel or inn with ensuite bathrooms; luggage transfer (or transfer to trailhead if staying in same place for 2 nights); route notes and maps

3 nights – 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in hotel or inn with ensuite bathrooms; luggage transfer (or transfer to trailhead if staying in same place for 2 nights); route notes and maps

NOT INCLUDED

Transportation to/from holiday. Lunches and dinners, drinks, entry fees, insurance, transfers not mentioned in the programme, anything no specifically mentioned in the programme.

PROGRAMME (2 nights)

Day 1: Arrive Dorchester for overnight. Dorchester was the inspiration for Casterbridge in Hardy's novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' and remains a handsome town of 19th and 18th century houses.

Day 2: Walk to Cerne Abbas or Piddletrenthide. Cerne Abbas (Hardy's Abbot's Cernel) is a pretty village snug in the Piddle Valley and overlooked by the famous – or, for some, infamous – Cerne Abbas Giant. The gloriously named Piddletrenthide (located on the Piddle) is a very long village and divided into three tithings. The church and manor house is the upper tithing, another group of cottages form the middle, and the third, White Lackington. Piddletrenthide has one of the finest village churches in Dorset with a splendid 15th century tower and gruesome gargoyles. Overnight Cerne Abbas or Piddletrenthide (or transfer back to Dorchester for overnight).
9 miles/14.5 kms

Day 3: departure

PROGRAMME (3 nights)

As above plus:Day 3: Circular walk from Cerne Abbas or Piddletrenthide. Overnight.
7 miles/11 kms

Day 4: departure

GETTING THERE

Dorchester has two separate rail stations - Dorchester South is on the main line between Weymouth and London Waterloo. Dorchester West serves the west country. The two stations are about a 5 minute walk from each other and the town centre.

To plan your journey by train, click the following link: Train to Dorchester

To plan your journey by car, click the following link: Plan your Journey by Car