Far from the Maddening Crowd

Day 1 Arrival in Dorchester

You arrive in one of the smallest County towns in England, Dorchester (Hardy's Casterbridge) - packed with history and activities and plenty to explore. Dorchester, or Durnovaria as the Romans named it when they founded it in AD70, is closely associated with Thomas Hardy. His study is preserved in the Dorset County Museum. Judge Jeffreys lodged in what is now the Lodging Restaurant during the Bloody Assizes of 1685. Across the road is the old Shire Hall, where the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs was held.

Day 2 Dorchester to Wareham 23 miles

Rriding towards Higher Brockhampton, Puddletown Forest and Puddletown, an area which influenced and inspired the novels of Thomas Hardy. The journey continues from Athelhampton to Tolpuddle, one of the most famous villages in the world. It became the birthplace of trade unionism when, in 1831, six labourers and the Methodist minister, George Loveless met together under a large sycamore tree in the village centre to discuss seeking an improvement in wages. Later arrested and transported to Australia for seven years ‘as an example’, they were eventually pardoned before the end of their term. The Wareham Town Walls were originally built in Saxon times to defend the town against attacks from the Vikings.

Day 3 Wareham to Blandford Forum 24 miles or 36 miles

You will have plenty of time to visit Kingston Lacey that dates from the 17th century, designed by Sir Roger Pratt for Sir Ralph Banks. After the visit to Kingston Lacey one can either ride directly to Blandford or for the more energetic a lovely ride through the Tarrant villages extends the mileage to 36 miles. Blandford Forum is perhaps the most complete Georgian Market town in England, rebuilt following the fire that destroyed most of its buildings in 1731.

Day 4 Blandford Forum to Sherborne 33 miles

Passing through Milton Abbas, which was acquired by Joseph Damer in 1752. He built the present mansion beside the abbey church and to obtain privacy he demolished the village properties too close to his property. The houses, almshouses, school and church were relocated and rebuilt on the present site in Milton Abbas. The days ride ends in Sherborne, an old and interesting town with two castles. Old Sherborne castle, built in the 12th century, was captured and destroyed by Cromwell.

Day 5 Sherborne to Bridport 33 miles

In contrast to Sherborne many of the villages passed through today are unknown to tourists. They retain the traditions of generations and are an important element in the beautiful landscape in this border area of Dorset and Somerset. Yetminster is a delightful village with many beautiful hamstone houses and cottages. The bells of the 15th century church chime ‘God Save the Queen’ every three hours to remind the village of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. The ride ends in Bridport a market town on the River Brit. It has long been a manufacturing centre for twine, netting, sail-cloth and rope. Its extra wide pavements were constructed on that scale to make rope ‘ walks’ for drying twine.

Day 6 Bridport to Dorchester 21 miles

You have two choices of returning to Dorchester - either via the coast road and Abbotsbury or the quieter country lanes. Following the Coast road highlights for the day are Burton Bradstock where the famous Chesil Beach begins. Abbotsbury which is a very old and attractive village lying in a sheltered valley near the Chesil Bank. Down on the shore of the lagoon known as West Fleet is the 600 year old swannery and another attraction is the sub-tropical gardens.