Dorchester - Thomas Hardy Circular
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Join us for a lovely circular walk from Dorchester South Railway station, taking us through the historic village of Stinsford, where Thomas Hardy's heart is buried. Across to the cottage he was born in, then a leisurely walk through Puddletown forest and back along to Max Gate, his main residence..
The area around Dorchester was settled in prehistoric times. When the Romans arrived in Britain, they established a garrison here after defeating the Durotriges tribe and called the settlement that grew up nearby Durnovaria. The Romans built an aqueduct to supply water and an amphitheatre on an ancient British earthwork. After the departure of the Romans, the town at first lost significance, but later became an important commercial and political centre. It was the site of the "Bloody Assizes" presided over by Judge Jeffreys after the Monmouth Rebellion, and later the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. It was the home of Thomas Hardy and of William Barnes and featured heavily in the Thomas Hardy novels as 'Casterbridge'. It is still a busy market town and the county town of Dorset.
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following: Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control) If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
All pictures taken by myself.
What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk. Keep in mind the following:
Boots: Hiking boots that are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support, are important as soon as you encounter any mud. Cross trainers may suffice in good weather and flat routes.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans which are heavy and cold when wet. From April to October shorts are usually a better bet.
Waterproof over-trousers: essential in any significant rainfall. Breathable ones are best.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather. You get what you pay for with these. Breathable fabrics are advisable.
Hat: essential in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Small Rucksack: one that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglassses: April- Sept: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye.
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required unless otherwise stated. In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.
Medicines: if you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments: don't forget these!
Food & drink
Please bring water and a packed lunch.