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Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Roman Road, Puddletown Forest loop from Hardy’s Cottage

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Roman Road, Puddletown Forest loop from Hardy’s Cottage

Easy

4.0

(3)

hikers

Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Roman Road, Puddletown Forest loop from Hardy’s Cottage

01:44

6.27km

110m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

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2.00 km

Rushy Pond

Highlight • Lake

An important watering hole for wildlife and the resident Dartmoor ponies, Rushy Pond buzzes with dragonflies and damselflies, whilst the pond’s surface is often disturbed by a newt surfacing for air or a grass snake on the hunt.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage/things-to-see-and-do-at-hardys-cottage

Tip by

2.10 km

Deer in Puddletown Forest

Highlight • Natural

2.38 km

Thomas Hardy's Cottage

Highlight • Historical Site

Built in 1800, this stunning thatched cottage was the birthplace of the famous writer, Thomas Hardy. Built by his great-grandfather, Hardy lived here for over 30 years and wrote some of his best works here, including 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. Now run by the National Trust, it's well worth visiting and there are stunning woodlands nearby for local explorations.

Tip by

3.16 km

Greenwood Grange Café

Highlight • Cafe

Not sure I would recommend. Probably neutral - not overly welcoming and tbh at present (25/06/15) a bit average. However great location for Hardye's cottages and walks. Note - you need to pay to park

Tip by

3.44 km

Roman Road, Puddletown Forest

Highlight • Historical Site

this continues over to Duddle Heath and then down into Puddletown forest

Tip by

3.93 km

Roman Road Through Duddle Heath

Highlight • Trail

Actually you're supposed to not cycle through Duddle Heath, due to fear of cyclists coming off the track here and disturbing wildlife, nesting birds, vegetation etc. Regeneration of the heathland etc

Tip by

4.38 km

Viewpoint Over Puddletown Forest

Highlight • Viewpoint

At the edge of what can be ridden at puddletown. Lots of down options from here, down teep and narrow or wide and cruisey

Tip by

5.87 km

Puddletown Forest Car Park

Highlight • Forest

Make sure not to leave any valuables in view in your car

Tip by

6.27 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.62 km

472 m

102 m

Surfaces

2.97 km

1.41 km

491 m

472 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (110 m)

Lowest point (50 m)

Weather

Sunday 12 July

31°C

14°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

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Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Roman Road, Puddletown Forest loop from Hardy’s Cottage

Rushy Pond

Deer in Puddletown Forest

Thomas Hardy's Cottage

Greenwood Grange Café

Roman Road, Puddletown Forest

Roman Road Through Duddle Heath

Viewpoint Over Puddletown Forest

Puddletown Forest Car Park

Nearby routes

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