Hardy's Cottage, Stinsford and Dorchester from Thorncombe Wood

Start at the lower end of the marked bays in Dorset Council's Thorncombe Wood car park, beyond Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre. This countryside circuit links Rushy Pond and the Bockhampton villages with Stinsford church, Dorchester and Hardy's Cottage. It uses the longer Dorchester route, with the start moved into the woods and a return along the public cottage woodland path.

Take the woodland path uphill, then follow the paths past Rushy Pond towards Pine Lodge. Continue south on the signed public footpath, crossing the minor road and passing through the farm and fields to Lower Bockhampton. Turn onto Bockhampton Lane, cross the brick bridge carefully and take the riverside bridleway west. The raised path follows the old water-meadow channels, with several bridges and gates. At the Stinsford junction make the short uphill visit to St Michael's church and churchyard, where Hardy's heart is buried, then retrace your steps to the meadows.

Continue west under the Dorchester bypass. At London Road use the pavement on the town side of the road and cross Grey's Bridge to High East Street. This Dorchester leg is deliberately out and back, giving a chance to stop in town before retracing the same pavement and bridleway. Back in the meadows take the signed public path north into Kingston Maurward, crossing the estate footbridge and following the bridleway through the college grounds. Keep to the waymarked public route, away from the gardens and private Old Manor. The path climbs through fields, crosses Hollow Hill and joins Cuckoo Lane at Higher Bockhampton. Follow the short lane section and the track towards Hardy's Cottage, then return through the woods on the cottage path to the car park.

Allow about four and a quarter hours, including brief stops. Expect muddy fields, uneven woodland paths, some slopes, narrow gates and stiles. The waterside banks are unguarded, and the short lane sections carry traffic. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and the reserve's ponies. After heavy rain, do not continue onto flooded meadow paths. Cafes and toilets are available at the visitor centre during opening hours and in Dorchester. Visiting the cottage interior is a separate National Trust visit with booking and admission charges; it is not included in the walking time.

The car park uses ANPR. Charges apply from 9am to 9pm, and payment is made at the end of the visit. This walk needs the up-to-eight-hour tariff if you stay beyond four hours. The car park has a twelve-hour maximum stay and cannot accommodate motorhomes or coaches. Do not park in Cuckoo Lane passing places.

Route references: Discover Dorchester's Dorchester to Hardy's Cottage leaflet, Dorset Council's Kingston Maurward Walkabout map and its current Thorncombe Wood trail map. Check local signs before setting out.