Woolbridge Manor House – Wool Bridge loop from Wool

Running trails & routes

Woolbridge Manor House – Wool Bridge loop from Wool

Moderate

runners

Woolbridge Manor House – Wool Bridge loop from Wool

01:08

10.9km

70m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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1.34 km

Track to East Burton

Highlight • Trail

Unfortunately had to turn back, the track was too flooded

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3.34 km

A nice detour for any ride, this is bricks-and-mortar evidence of Hardy's relationship with his home county Dorset. This world famous author (1840-1928) based Tess of the D'Urberville's life in and around this area, which clearly meant a lot to him. Though naturally, in typical Hardy style, he changed the names of the places, and this building is officially called Woolbridge Manor House.

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3.38 km

Wool Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

Closed to traffic and on a traffic free cycleway section.

Features in Hardye's Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Hardy refers to a tradition that a phantom coach drives up to Woolbridge Manor by night, but can only be seen by members of the Turberville family. The story is thought to be linked to the elopement of John Turberville with Anne, daughter of the 1st Viscount Howard of Bindon, in the 1580s. Anne’s step-brother, Thomas, was the builder of Lulworth Castle.

Might be good for looking at wading birds. Lots of water.

Original bridge collapsed (possible due to carrying tanks from Bovington during WW2 ) but the rebuild was well done by Dorset Council, sympathetic to the original and keeping what they could).

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4.02 km

The Ship Inn

Highlight • Pub

7.10 km

The Vel Lounge

Highlight • Cycleway

This cafe is now closed down.

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9.87 km

The Tank Museum Entrance

Highlight • Monument

Great presentation of a massive collection of tanks and vehicles, well grouped and documented thematically. Probably one of the best tank museums in the world, in a unique museum concept, the unique collection of tanks from all over the world is presented in different scenarios. Many exhibits would be impossible in Germany - not only because of the Nazi symbols. Definitely worth seeing 👍, special highlights are the "Tiger day" and the "Tankfest".

Translated by Google •

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