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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4.7

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#1.

Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Puddletown Forest loop from Athelhampton and Puddletown

7.63km

02:07

130m

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

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4.9

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#2.

Bockhampton Bridge – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Dorchester

9.67km

02:32

70m

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

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3.7

(6)

hikers

#3.

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

18.7km

04:56

170m

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

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Details

Informations

Elevation 120 m

Weather

Thursday 16 April

14°C

9°C

56 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h

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Take Me There

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

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Rushy Pond

#1.

Thomas Hardy's Cottage – Puddletown Forest loop from Athelhampton and Puddletown

#2.

Bockhampton Bridge – Thomas Hardy's Cottage loop from Dorchester

#3.

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

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