Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Hardy's Cottage loop from Dorchester West

Routes

Mountain biking trails

Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Hardy's Cottage loop from Dorchester West

Easy

4.3

(3)

riders

Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Hardy's Cottage loop from Dorchester West

01:40

20.5km

190m

Mountain biking

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 12.3 km for 88 m

After 16.6 km for 220 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

5.45 km

Three Cornered Coppice

Forest

7.21 km

Ridge Way

Highlight • Trail

One way off road in the Puddletown direction, the other towards Charminster

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10.0 km

Steep Ascent and Descent

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

12.7 km

Dorset Singletrack Trail

Highlight • MTB Park

Go looking and you will find some of the best riding in this area. What it is lacking in elevation it makes up for in technicality

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14.1 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 …

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14.6 km

Hardy's Cottage

Highlight • Cafe

If you are a Thomas Hardy enthusiast this is a must - the small cottage where he was born and grew up, writing his early novels. The garden is large …

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14.9 km

Countryside Footpath Near Kingston Maurward

Highlight (Segment) • Natural

Open fields. Be prepared for several gate stops & one bike lift. Once you reach the road at the lower end you can go straight across and you will arrive …

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16.8 km

Kingston Maurward Bridleway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Few gates but nice way across to bottom of Dorchester (Grey's Bridge). Runs alongside river and near to Stinsford. Thomas Hardy buried in Stinsford Church. You can come off Bockhampton …

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18.6 km

Greys Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Carries London Road over the River Frome towhich stood a few hundred feet to the north. Two metal plaques threaten transportation for life for anyone found guilty of wilfully damaging …

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