Outer Casterbridge: Hardy and History
The Thomas Hardy Society
Applications for this cycle have closed
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Fancy walking through history and Hardy’s pages? Join Mark Chutter for a guided Festival of Archaeology walk around Outer Casterbridge—explore Neolithic earthworks, trace a Roman aqueduct to Maiden Castle, and connect literature with landscape. Meet at the Hardy statue.
Join Mark Chutter on a guided Festival of Archaeology walk around Outer Casterbridge, exploring Neolithic earthworks and Roman Durnovaria. The route climbs to Pummery (Poundbury Camp), follows the line of the Roman aqueduct to Mai-Dun (Maiden Castle), and returns via The Ring (Maumbury Rings) and The Workhouse (DCH).
The walk includes plentiful references to Thomas Hardy's poetry and fiction, including The Mayor of Casterbridge and Far from the Madding Crowd. The event meets at the Hardy Statue (Top 'o' Town) on Sunday 24 July at 1pm (BST).
There is uneven terrain and some steep gradients and the route is around 7+ miles, so participants should be prepared and bring snacks/refreshments as facilities are very limited en route. Tickets are £6 and are available through Dorset Museum.
The walk is part of the Home of Hillforts & Henges festival (21stto31st July).
Mark Damon Chutter
Dates from the previous cycle — new dates are announced when applications reopen.
21 Jul 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
Home of Hillforts & Henges festival
24 Jul 2026
Outer Casterbridge: Hardy and History walk
Location
- The walk covers uneven terrain and some steep gradients.
- Route is approximately 7+ miles - participants should be prepared for a long walk and limited facilities en route.
£6
Tickets cost £6 and are available through Dorset Museum.
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