Groom

Jubilee Trail (Dorset)

Winds through **varied Dorset countryside** with rolling hills and moderate climbs – expect some **steep sections** that make it challenging for buggies and tiring for small children. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. Traces historical connections across the county, linking villages, woodland paths and open farmland with **rewarding panoramic views** over classic Thomas Hardy landscapes. Best tackled in sections rather than one go, offering flexibility for different fitness levels and time c

Frome Valley Way

Follows the gentle River Frome through Dorset's chalk valleys, passing water meadows, historic mills, and charming villages over varied terrain—mostly flat with occasional modest climbs. Suitable for families with older children who can manage stiles and uneven riverside paths; not buggy-friendly due to gates and muddy sections. Dogs welcome but keep on leads near livestock and nesting birds. Worth it for peaceful countryside, abundant wildlife including kingfishers and otters, and Thomas Hardy

Hardy’s cottage to Max Gate

Connects two Thomas Hardy homes through Dorset countryside with gentle undulations and quiet lanes. Mostly manageable for families, though some stiles and uneven paths make buggies impractical—best for children who can walk a couple of miles. Dogs welcome on leads where crossing farmland. A literary pilgrimage tracing Hardy's journey from birthplace cottage to his later grand residence, passing through heathland and woodland that inspired his Wessex novels.

The Hardy Way

Wessex Ridgeway