From the car park the walk follows the path through Thorncombe Wood to Hardy's Cottage. After a short detour into Puddletown Forest the walk follows footpaths and tracks to Lower Bockhampton and along a riverside path to Stinsford. The walk returns to the car park via a short stretch of road and footpaths though woodland and farmland.
Thomas Hardy's heart lies in the churchyard of Stinsford Church. His ashes rest in Poets Corner, Westminster Abbey.
From Kingston Maurward roundabout on the A35 near Dorchester follow signpost to Stinsford, Higher Bockhampton and Hardy's Cottage. The car park is also provided for walking the Thorncombe Woods Trail.