Walk Thorncombe Woods from Hardy’s Cottage just outside Dorchester. There are 2 famous Hardys from Dorset, this one is Thomas Hardy the novelist. The cottage where he was born is run by the National Trust and has an excellent visitor centre with a cafe and toilets and local waymarked trails through the woods. The location is also a gateway to the surrounding ancient Thorncombe Woods and Puddle Town Forest with a host of longer walks available for all abilities.