A Taste of Hardy's Wessex

We greatly enjoyed Hardy's Wessex, picture postcard villages, pleasant walking and some great views. Hotels were either good or excellent

Our third holiday with Inntravel, A Taste of Hardy's Wessex (4 nights) was a delight not least because we had perfect early October weather. The walking challenge suited us perfectly, the notes and timings as always accurate and interesting. Special mention for La Fosse in Cranborne for the lovely homely room and great food. We were taken with our own personal toaster on the breakfast table. Not seen that done before but such a good idea (space permitting). Also La Fleur de Lys, the crowning glory, superb in every sense. The best walks were the ones from and to hotels especially the last day into Shaftesbury. 

Thoroughly enjoyable walking trip, made so easy by Inntravel. Everything worked perfectly and it was a joy to stride out across the big open fields of Wessex (confident we were on the right track thanks to the notes!). 

We were lucky enough to dodge most of the rain for the two main walks and enjoyed some superb views. The taxi company was very helpful when we decided to retrieve our car due to torrential rain which prevented us from doing the circular walks around Farnham on the middle day.

The notes were generally accurate, but possibly need to be checked again. Some of the sections highlighted as more difficult to navigate actually proved quite easy. Some of the stiles on the last day are now in need of maintenance and the last stretch into Farnham on the first day was rather unpleasant - we wished we had stayed on the road!  The pub at Ludwell was closed when we arrived at 1.45 on a Thursday, but we did find a very welcome bench not long after the school (just before leaving the village). 

This trip exceeded our expectations. From initial contact with Inntravel to the pre-booked taxi back to our car, we were impressed by everything. We really enjoyed the literary details relating to Hardy's novels and poems, plus the additional local history. The accommodation was perfect. So wonderful to end in Shaftesbury at the outstanding La Fleur de Lys, where the food was exquisite fine dining, and service impeccable. La Fosse and The Museum Inn were excellent, and so comfortable and wonderful staff. The landscape was beautiful in early June, with so many wild flowers. We had glorious weather, and were pleased we had packed extra water, sun hats and cooling towels. The walks were well described and exactly as long as stated. The last days climb towards Shaftesbury was a challenge, not very gentle as it was a long hike, but mainly because it was a very warm day. We did find some shady trees along the route. Overall we had a fabulous break and were very happy with everything. Definitely recommend.

This was an excellent walking break for persons of moderate walking ability. The route was went through beautiful countryside and the accommodation and food was of a high standard. The GPS maps supplied were very useful,  backed up by an OS map of the area.

This was a lovely mid level walk made all the more pleasurable by the great weather we had for all 3 days. The final dinner was a special treat and reward! The view from Win Green was stunning. Make sure to take time for the Shaftesbury town trail too.

Our highlight? The views from Win Green

Everything is so well organised by Inntravel, you can relax and enjoy the walking knowing you have a warm welcome at the end of the day

It was a real adventure which we thoroughly enjoyed. The historical notes as we walked were particularly interesting.

This trip was an experiment to see if we liked this style of holiday. Everything was faultless apart from the first night's restaurant service in The Museum. Everybody enjoyed themselves and we will be looking to book again, probably abroad.

Fabulous food, especially at the Shaftesbury hotel. Overall the route was too challenging for me but that was my fault for not noting the total distance.

The walking holiday meets Inntravel's usual high standards. Finding a beautiful oak tree to sit under while eating our picnic! The scenery is gentle but the history is wonderful.

We normally go on walking holidays with Inntravel in Europe but have tried two UK walking holidays this year of the 'plague', on the South Downs and in North Dorset. Although both are in downland, they are different in character, as are the landscapes in subtle ways. We were delighted with the areas, the suggested walks, choice of accommodation and suggested restaurants. Well done Inntravel! 

It was a joy to walk among the footpaths, lanes and fields of this part of Dorset, with a kaleidoscope of butterflies flitting around. The vistas were far reaching, especially from Win Green, and walking in the shade of Chase Woods was delightful on a very hot day. On our first night we saw the Milky Way twinkling over the village of Cranborne. If you do the Tarrant Gunville circular walk, head up the lane from the church of St Mary for half a mile to find a very good farm shop and cafe at Home Farm. The food throughout was very good and the final meal in the Fleur de Lys was superb.

Another great holiday from Inntravel ending with a superb meal included at the Fleur de Lys in Shaftesbury

Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and particularly the last day, walking from Farnham to Shaftesbury, as the scenery and walking was more varied.

The accommodation at each stop was excellent. Personal highlight was Fosse at Cranborne. Quality of food was superb (try the cheeseboard!) This was our first walking holiday and we probably underestimated the quite challenging climb on the final day. But the views were worth it! The organisation was excellent. Clear walking guidance (we got slightly lost on day 2 having become a little confused by short cut/alternative routes offered) but were able to pick up the route again fairly easily. Bags transferred without a hitch and final taxi arrived right on time. Would definitely recommend your company. 

The 360 degree view from the top of Win Green is spectacular and well worth the climb. The notes on the history and Hardy connections are fascinating, adding an extra dimension to the landscape. The included evening meal at La Fleur de Lys Shaftesbury was exceptional.

This was one of the most, if not the most, beautiful walks we've ever done. Truly magical. 

We were blessed with marvellous walking weather. The walks have few places of rest and interest or benches along the way, so we were lucky.

My daughter had a wish list of what she hoped to see on the walks and ticked all three, rabbits, pheasant and deer.

We both loved the peace and feeling of detachment especially after the last 14 months. The fact that we were only briefly on any road, the beauty and colour of the fields (the rapeseed being in full bloom), the woods with wild garlic and bluebells and the variety of the landscape from day one to day three.