Dorchester Dorset River Walks
The historic county town of Dorset has some fine river trails, expansive local woodlands and a noteworthy hill fort to explore.
This walk from the town takes you to some of the highlights of the area including the River Frome Watermeadows, Puddletown Forest, Thorncombe Woods and Hardy's Cottage.
The walk starts at Dorchester South train station and heads east through the town to the River Frome. Here you follow a footpath across the water meadows to the village of Stinsford. In the village there's Kingston Maurward house where there's lovely gardens and a lake with a statue of excalibur.
You head east past the lake towards Lower Bockhampton before turning north to the Stinsford Manor House and Higher Bockhampton. Here you can follow woodland trails around Thorncombe Wood and the adjacent Puddletown Forest. In this are you'll also find the National Trust Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre. The centre contains interesting displays about the life and works of author Thomas Hardy and his connection to the local landscape. You can then explore the cottage itself where Hardy was born in 1840. The delightful cob and thatch cottage is where he wrote some of his classic novels including 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. After exploring the the cottage and surrounding forest area the route returns to Dorchester on the same paths.
Please scroll down for the full list of walks near and around Dorchester. The detailed maps below also show a range of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths in the area.
Dorchester Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Dorchester Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
*New* - Walks and Cycle Routes Near Me Map - Waymarked Routes and Mountain Bike Trails>>
Dorchester OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Dorchester Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Back in the town the Blue Raddle is a good choice for some post walk refreshment. The friendly pub serves good quality food and has a fine selection of ales. You can find them at 9 Church St, DT1 1JN.
Dog Walking
The country trails and woodland at Puddletown and Thorncombe are ideal for dog walking. The Blue Raddle mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking around Dorchester climb to the Iron Age Hillfort at Maiden Castle for excellent views over the area.
This page is for the Dorset based Dorchester if you are looking for the Oxfordshire town please see the Dorchester on Thames Walks page.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Dorset Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
River Frome at Dorchester
Town Pump and the Corn Exchange
Bridge over the Mill Stream, Dorchester. This placid scene is only 300 metres from the centre of Dorchester.
Stinsford Meadows
Excalibur. A sculpture in the lake of Kingston Maurward gardens
Gazebo overlooking lake at Kingston Maurward
Thomas Hardy's Cottage
Puddletown Forest by Thomas Hardy's Cottage