Discover how to enjoy the North Dorset Trailway – a safe, scenic route for walking, cycling, mobility scooters and horse riding. Plan your day with maps, access points, parking tips and facilities info.

Plan your visit to the trailway

Whether you are joining us for a short stroll or an all-day adventure, we want your journey on the Trailway to be as seamless and enjoyable as possible

Parking is available at key access points in Sturminster Newton, Shillingstone, and Blandford. There are other areas for on-road parking near key access points.

Mobility scooters

The Trailway is for people using mobility scooters too. Access points, surfaces and gradients can vary along the route, so please check the section you plan to use before setting out.

Walkers

Once a railway, now a traffic-free green corridor, the North Dorset Trailway offers a safe and peaceful route through stunning countryside. Perfect for children on bikes, family walks, walking the dog, mobility scooter users, and nature lovers of all ages – the Trailway is a place to relax, explore, and connect with nature.

Please remember you must keep your dog on a lead.

Runners

Running is a popular activity on the Trailway. Here are just a few events that regularly take place:

Blandford Park Run: It’s the biggest thing to happen on the Trailway! Every Saturday, over 200 runners meet and do a 5 km run starting at 9am, at Jubilee Way, Blandford (DT11 7DD).

Dorset Doddlers Running Club: Established in 1983, welcomes all abilities, with training sessions at Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre and other local events..

Cyclists

This traffic-free route offers a safe, accessible path for cyclists of all ages and abilities, whether you’re out for a short spin or a longer ride. The gentle gradients and smooth surface offer a safe route for families and casual riders.

The Trailway connects to many smaller roads and avoids busy A-roads, making it popular for commuting and leisure.

Downloadable cycle rides: Sturminster Newton to Stourpaine, Spetisbury to Badbury Rings (ancient hill fort), Okeford Fitzpaine Link on Little Lane

Local cycling groups like Dorset Cyclists Network support riders. Competitive racing is not permitted without Dorset Council approval.

Horse Riding

The Trailway is a multi-use route open to horse riders, cyclists, pedestrians, and mobility users. It features a flat, surfaced, 3-metre-wide track ideal for horses.

Horses have priority – Walkers and cyclists should stop or step aside (preferably downhill) to let horses pass safely.
Be courteous – Announce yourself clearly when approaching others, especially from behind. Ask horse riders how best to pass.
Dogs – Please keep dogs on a lead and under control at all times, especially near horses.
Leave no trace – Pick up dog waste and take all rubbish home to keep the Trailway clean for everyone.