Haddon Copse Farm

Hardy’s cottage to Max Gate

Connects two Thomas Hardy homes through Dorset countryside with gentle rolling terrain and occasional moderate climbs. Suitable for families with older children who can manage 2-3 hours walking, though uneven footpaths make buggies impractical. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. Offers a literary pilgrimage following Hardy's own path between his birthplace cottage and the house he designed, passing through heath and woodland that inspired his Wessex novels.

South Dorset Ridgeway

Traces an ancient ridgeway path across rolling chalk downland with steady climbs and exhilarating descents. Not suitable for buggies due to uneven terrain, stiles and steep sections, but older children who enjoy a challenge will love the sense of adventure. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. The route delivers sweeping views over Weymouth Bay and the Jurassic Coast, plus a real taste of Dorset's prehistoric landscape with Iron Age hill forts and tumuli dotting the skyline.

Frome Valley Way

Follows the River Frome through gentle Dorset countryside with mostly flat, easy terrain punctuated by occasional mild inclines. Perfect for families and manageable with all-terrain buggies on firmer sections, though some riverside paths can be muddy. Dogs welcome to splash about. Offers peaceful watermeadows, wildlife spotting opportunities, and charming villages along the way—a lovely low-key escape showcasing classic chalk stream scenery without demanding too much effort.

Mini Explorer Trail and Brass Rubbing, Hardy Monument

Jubilee Trail (Dorset)