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

Chris

November 24, 2022

Road cycling

Rushy Pond is home to a wealth of wildlife including Grass Snakes, Palmate Newts and Dragonflies and Damselflies. On hot summer days, you may often find our resident ponies in the pond taking a cooling dip.

Paul

June 15, 2025

Hiking

Lovely aspect whcih you can se in the great photo. Good spot when doing any number of walks in Puddletown forest and around. Harye's Cottace neatby - I think you have to book with he National Trust currently.

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Best routes to Rushy Pond

4.8

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hikers

1. Roman Road, Puddletown Forest – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Athelhampton and Puddletown

8.08km

02:14

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.9

(8)

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2. Rushy Pond – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Dorchester

9.56km

02:30

70m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.3

(3)

hikers

3. Rushy Pond – Roman Road, Puddletown Forest loop from Dorchester

12.6km

03:18

100m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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Elevation 120 m

Weather

Today

Monday 16 February

9°C

4°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 36.0 km/h

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Location: Stinsford, West Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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Rushy Pond

1. Roman Road, Puddletown Forest – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Athelhampton and Puddletown

2. Rushy Pond – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Dorchester

3. Rushy Pond – Roman Road, Puddletown Forest loop from Dorchester

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