Thomas Hardy Walk - Hardy's Cottage to Max Gate (return)

This is a peaceful walk starting at the birthplace of Thomas Hardy and continuing through the landscape he grew up, before arriving at Max Gate, the house where Hardy died.

We will also take a detour to Stinsford St Michael, the resting place of Thomas Hardy's two wives and where Hardy's heart was laid to rest.

It is 5km from Hardy's Cottage to Max Gate, making the walk 10km in total. We will walk back the same way we came so this is a linear route. You have the option of ending the walk at Max Gate if you wish, please inform our guide of this when you arrive.

We expect the itinerary for the walk to look like this: 10.30 - Meet at Hardy’s Cottage, 12.00 – Reach Max Gate, 13.00 - Depart Max Gate for Hardy’s Cottage, 14.30 – Arrive back at Hardy’s Cottage. There is then the option for walkers to join a tour of Hardy's Cottage, which must be booked and paid for independently and in advance.

It is important to note the walk goes to Max Gate where you will have the opportunity to spend one hour at the house. You do not need to book for this but you will have to pay an entrance fee to enter the house, or if you are a National Trust member you can enter for free, please bring your membership card.

If you wish to visit Hardy's Cottage please book this independently, in advance, via our website or by calling 0344 249 1895. We would recommend booking onto the 15.00 tour. Hardy’s Cottage tickets are released every Thursday and will open four weeks in advance.