Sunday 6th April 2025
Starts 10:00 until 12:30

A Walk Around Upwey

with short rest breaks and poetry readings

Step back in time and explore the picturesque village that inspired one of England's greatest novelists.

Meet us for a FREE guided walking tour around Upwey in the Footsteps of Thomas Hardy with Mark North and Byron Silver.

The village of Upwey has many picturesque and historic buildings, including a 13th-century parish church, dedicated to Saint Laurence, and Upwey Manor, built around 1639. The River Wey flows through the village and its source is at Upwey wishing well, which was a popular tourist attraction in the Victorian era. On 22nd October 1900, Hardy went there with his niece on a cycling tour, and they both made a wish.

In the 18th century a water mill was built on the river - rebuilt in 1802, it featured as Overcombe Mill in "The Trumpet Major" (1880). "At the Railway Station, Upway", Hardy's poem, composed in 1853, most likely relates to Upwey station and The Old Ship Inn features in "Under the Greenwood Tree".

The walk will take in St Laurence’s Church with its Green Men; the old Mason’s Arms, with its globetrotting bust of Dorchester builder, John Cake; Upwey Station; The Old Ship Inn ("Great Things") - possible pub lunch afterwards (not included).

*Please meet at the top of Elwell Street, Upwey DT3 5QJ at 10 am.

For those relying on public transport, there is a #10 bus from Brewery Square bus stop in Dorchester (near the Shire Horse statue) at 9:33 am. Alight at Elwell Street.

Please wear appropriate footwear (i.e. trainers or boots). Most of the walk will be on pavement or tarmac, but we may encounter some mud.

The circular walk is approximately 3.5 miles.