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Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
England
South West England
Dorset
West Dorset
Puddletown

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

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
England
South West England
Dorset
West Dorset
Puddletown

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

Moderate

4.9

(14)

13

hikers

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

02:13

8.10km

130m

Hiking

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

Last updated: May 10, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Get Directions

2.81 km

Puddletown Forest

Forest

2

3.27 km

Black Bottom

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Had no idea this section had such a name. I really should pay more attention to where I go! lol

Tip by

3

4.55 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 …

Tip by

4

5.16 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 …

Tip by

5

5.36 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

6

5.64 km

Roman Road, Puddletown Forest

Highlight • Historical Site

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

Tip by

7

6.18 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

8

6.34 km

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

9

6.79 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

B

8.10 km

End point

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.95 km

133 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.39 km

2.65 km

1.40 km

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Tuesday 12 May

14°C

7°C

47 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 34.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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