Puddletown Forest and River Piddle Walk

Puddletown Forest is a Forestry Commission plantation north of Dorchester in Dorset, a managed woodland of conifers and broadleaves that Thomas Hardy used as the model for the brooding Egdon Heath woodlands in his novels. This 6.4km circuit follows wide forest tracks and narrower paths through the trees before dropping to the River Piddle, a clear chalk stream that winds through water meadows on the forest's southern edge. The woodland is flat and sheltered, with just 97 metres of climbing, and the combination of forest shade and open riverside creates two distinct walking environments. The forest is particularly atmospheric on misty autumn mornings when the trees drip and the rides vanish into fog.

This is a reliable dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential through the woodland where the wide tracks give dogs room to range freely. The River Piddle provides clean water for paddling and drinking, with shallow margins along the meadow sections. Livestock risk is low within the forest. The forest tracks can be muddy after rain but generally drain well, and the sheltered canopy makes this a good option when higher or more exposed routes are unwelcoming. The forest car park near Puddletown provides easy access. Puddletown itself has the Blue Vinny pub which welcomes dogs. A walk that suits all fitness levels and works well year-round, with the riverside section adding welcome variety to the woodland core.